“Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create.” – Roy T. Bennett
It can be easy to get caught up in worrying about things that you have no control over. You may worry about the future, happenings of the past, the actions of others, or events that are outside of your control. However, focusing on these things can be unproductive and even harmful to your well-being.
One effective way to manage your worries and concerns is to focus only on the things that you have control over. In other words, control the controllable and let go of the rest. This means focusing on your own actions, attitudes, and behaviors rather than trying to control or change things that are outside of your control.
Focusing on the things that you have control over can bring several specific benefits, including:
Increased sense of empowerment: When you focus on the things that you have control over, you feel more in control of your life. This can lead to a greater sense of empowerment, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Reduced anxiety: Worrying about things that are beyond your control can lead to anxiety and stress. When you focus on what you can control, you reduce the amount of uncertainty in your life, which can help to alleviate anxiety.
Improved productivity: When you focus on what you can control, you are more likely to take action and make progress. This can help you to be more productive and achieve your goals more efficiently.
Greater clarity: Focusing on what you can control can help you to gain a clearer understanding of your priorities and what you need to do to achieve your goals. This can help you to make more informed decisions and stay focused on what’s most important.
More positive outlook: When you focus on what you can control, you are more likely to adopt a positive outlook on life. This can help you to maintain a positive mindset, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.
Increased resilience: When you focus on what you can control, you become better equipped to deal with challenges and setbacks. This can help you to develop greater resilience and bounce back more easily from adversity.
Improved relationships: Focusing on what you can control can also help you to improve your relationships with others. By accepting that you can’t control everything, you can become more flexible and understanding, which can lead to more positive interactions with others.
Greater sense of purpose: When you focus on the things that you have control over, you are more likely to align your actions with your values and sense of purpose. This can help you to feel more fulfilled and satisfied with your life.
Increased motivation: Focusing on what you can control can also increase your motivation to take action and achieve your goals. When you feel more in control of your life, you are more likely to be motivated to make positive changes and pursue your dreams.
Improved mental health: By focusing on what you can control, you can reduce feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, which can contribute to depression and anxiety. This can lead to improved mental health and well-being.
On the other hand, focusing on the things that you don’t have control over can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and stress. It can be especially difficult when we worry about things that are out of our control, as it can lead to a sense of powerlessness and a lack of control over our own lives.
How to focus on the things that you have control over?
Here are some tips for ensuring that you focus only on the things that you have control over:
Set achievable goals: Choose goals that are within your control and that you can realistically achieve. This can help you to feel more empowered and in control of your life.
Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to the present moment and focus on the things that you can control in the here and now. This can help you to stay grounded and focused on what is within your control.
Identify the things that you have control over: Make a list of the things that you have control over in your life. This could include your thoughts, feelings, actions, and behaviors.
Identify the things that you don’t have control over: Make a list of the things that you don’t have control over in your life. This includes but is not limited to the past, external circumstances, and other people.
Seek support: If you are struggling to focus on the things that you have control over, consider seeking support from a therapist or coach. They can help you to identify and address the things that are causing you stress or anxiety.
Practice self-compassion: Be kind and understanding towards yourself. It is natural to have worries and concerns, and it is important to recognize that it takes time and effort to focus on the things that you have control over.
Practice gratitude: Focusing on the things that you are grateful for can help you to stay positive and motivated, even when you are facing challenges or things that are outside of your control.
Remember, it is natural to have concerns about things that are outside of our control. The important thing is to recognize these concerns and make a conscious effort to focus on the things that we have control over. By doing so, we can take charge of our own lives and find greater peace and contentment.