Circle of influence
The Circle of Influence is a practical map that distinguishes the things you can influence from the things you can only observe or take into account.
Definition
The Circle of Influence helps you shift your focus from worrying about the whole problem to what actions are possible. It does not mean ignoring the larger reality, but separating control, influence and lack of influence. This makes it easier to regain agency without pretending that everything depends on us.
Key ideas
- Control, influence and lack of influence
- Reclaiming agency
- Energy prioritization
Practice and life
Draw three circles: I control, I have influence, I have no influence. Enter the elements of the problem and select one action from the first two circles.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to include everything in your circle of influence and overload yourself with responsibility. The second mistake is to pretend helplessness where a small step is possible.
> Peace grows when energy returns to where it can make a difference.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What do I have real influence on?
- What do I just need to include?
- What small step is within my reach?