Control Sphere
Differentiate between what you can and cannot control. Direct your energy towards managing your thoughts, actions, and responses, accepting the rest with equanimity.
Focus Your Energy
Create two lists. In the first list, write down everything in your life that is directly under your control: your thoughts, your actions, your reactions, your effort, your values, your judgments. In the second list, write down everything that is not under your control: the actions of others, the weather, the economy, past events, your reputation, and your health (to a certain extent). Honestly assess each item. Review both lists, focusing on where your power truly lies – within your own sphere of influence. Develop strategies to manage those aspects under your control better, and develop acceptance for those that are not. Epictetus said: "The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externos never under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control." How will prioritizing your sphere of control improve your peace of mind? How can you practice this awareness daily?
