FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

Focus on what you can control. Don’t waste time and energy on things that you can’t control.

No amount of worrying or complaining has ever solved a problem or achieved a goal. When we focus on what we cannot control, we take precious time and energy away from focusing on what we can control. When we do this, we disempower ourselves. It only amplifies the problem, often making it worse.

MINDSET & RESILIENCE

One of the most compelling historical examples of focusing on what you can control comes from Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor. Frankl was imprisoned in several Nazi concentration camps during World War II, where he lost most of his family and endured unimaginable suffering. Despite the horrific circumstances, Frankl realized that the one thing the Nazis could not take from him was his ability to choose his attitude and response to his suffering.

Frankl focused on what he could control—his thoughts, reactions, and inner life. He later wrote about this experience in his book Man’s Search for Meaning, where he emphasized the power of finding meaning in life, even in the most brutal conditions. By concentrating on what he could control, Frankl maintained his sense of self, purpose, and resilience, ultimately helping him survive the ordeal.

ELEVATE YOUR PERSPECTIVE

But how do we shift our focus to what we can control?

Here are 5 steps you can take today:

1. Identify What’s Within Your Control

Start by taking a step back and listing out what’s actually within your control. These might include your reactions, your mindset, your daily habits, and the effort you put into your work. By clarifying these areas, you can begin to redirect your energy more effectively.

2. Practice Acceptance

It’s important to acknowledge that there are always going to be things outside of your control. Instead of resisting or fighting against them, practice acceptance. This doesn’t mean giving up, it means understanding that your energy is better spent elsewhere, where it can make a real difference.

3. Focus on Your Response

While you can’t control external events, you can always control your response. Whether it’s a difficult situation at work or an unexpected challenge in life, focusing on how you respond can make all the difference. Your response can either add to the stress or contribute to finding a solution.

4. Develop Resilience Through Consistency

Consistency in your habits, mindset, and actions is key. When you consistently focus on what you can control, you build resilience. This doesn’t just make you stronger in the face of challenges, it also helps you maintain a sense of calm and control, no matter what’s happening around you.

5. Redirect Your Energy

Anytime you catch yourself worrying about something outside your control, consciously redirect that energy. Ask yourself, "What can I do right now that will move me closer to my goals?" This simple shift in thinking can transform anxiety into productive action.