All Things Inspired

Control of the controllable is identifying the control you have over circumstances!

In last week's article we learned that controlling the controllables is a process to identify the control that you have over circumstances and situations. And by prioritizing your actions, efforts, and behaviors, you can determine how you respond toward positive change that is within your control. If you recall we created a mental image with the three intersecting circles to illustrate how to look at the process of controlling the controllables. Again, it was two polarizing circles of influence on each side, things you can control and things you cannot control. The middle circle, intersecting the two circles of influence, represented the neutrality we labelled as "things that matter." The intersection of "things you can control" and "things that matter" is where you should focus your efforts, being the things that matter which you can control. Contrarily, on the other side of this, the intersection of "things you cannot control" and "things that matter" is where you should leave it to faith that they will work out as intended.

Now that we've reviewed that process, it's time to identify what we can and cannot control. How do you focus on what you can control? How do you know what you can control? Let's start by trying to understand the difference between what you can control and what you cannot. Consider the following examples of both:

Things You Cannot Control:

What other people think of you - it's been said that what other people think of you is really none of your business! Don't give this any time or consideration.
What other people do - everyone is responsible for their own actions.
Environmental or Market conditions - we must be aware of conditions that can affect you and adjust our actions accordingly.
That change is inevitable - the only thing in life that remains the same is change!
What happens around you - this may affect you and require that you adjust your reactions.
Opinions on social media - if it's on the internet, then it must be true, right?! Let it go! Leave it be and move away from this concern quickly!
Politics - can be misleading and divisive. Educate yourself on the issues and how they affect you.
News on TV - world events are out of our control and can affect your mood or outlook. Remember this: News reports, tragedy and misfortune bring better viewer ratings than good news.
Natural disasters - an inevitable course in life. See the previous bullet point for further explanation.
Things in the past or future - you can't change the past, but you can learn from it. You can't dwell on what might be ahead either. The best option here is living in the present and making the most of this gift!
Cats - yes cats!! You just can't control these creatures, and you certainly can't herd them!

Things You Can Control

Your mindset - you've heard a hundred times; mindset is everything. It sets the sails for navigating through the things you can and cannot control.
How you treat others - it's the golden rule!
Your effort - drives the process of controlling the controllables.
Your actions - the first action is movement. Off your seat and on your feet. Focus on what you can control.
Time spent worrying - is your biggest waste of time. Worrying does not solve any problem, it only takes away the calmness and focus that you need to control situations.
Expressing gratitude - this is the ultimate gift to yourself. Having gratitude in all things good and bad will help you control the controllables and shed the things you cannot control.
Leaving the past in the past - again, you can't change what has happened, but you can learn from it.
Practicing personal growth - controlling the controllables is only one phase of growth, but it's significant in your journey of transformational growth!
Being open to opportunities - the world is full of opportunities that you have probably never imagined. Don't ask what if, just assume that the opportunity awaits your arrival.
Being adaptable to change - we said this is the only constant. You can adapt to change or be left behind.
Your reactions - have you ever stopped to think that we don't get burned out in life because of what we've done or haven't done. We tend to get burned out because we lose sight of our goals because life makes us forget why we chose to pursue them.

When you review these two sets of examples, it should be quite easy to see which items you should be focusing your efforts on: The things you control that matter, and just leave the things you cannot control, but still matter, to faith. We said at the onset of this topic that there are three things we can control every day: our attitude, our effort, and our actions. Here are five ways to improve your ability to focus on the things you can control...

Mindset - This is done through maintaining a positive attitude at the most difficult of moments when you are trying to control the controllables. Focus on the benefits of positive attitude and change.
Understand your boundaries - we discovered last week that the tendency of human nature is to grasp onto uncontrollable things. You must set your limits to protect yourself against falling into this trap. We think we can conquer the uncontrollable and when we fail it can be devasting to our psyche.
Preparation - its not just about controlling what you can control, but also understanding that the better prepared you are to address this process and be able to compensate for the things you cannot control will you gain mastery over the entire process of control.
Confidence on display - you know how you feel about your capabilities. You must now be assertive in your ability to address the process of controlling what you can control. Having no fear to take this process head-on will ensure you are successful and stay in alignment with your goals.
Be accountable - you and only you are responsible for your actions. You're going to make some mistakes along the way. Just be accountable to yourself and others affected, learn from the process and continue your way to controlling what you can control.

We have all experienced frustration over things we cannot control. The best way to ensure success through this process is to focus on what you can control with the things that matter. Control is strength. Being mindful of the process of letting go of what you can't control is mastery. And the calmness of being able to compensate for the uncontrollable is powerful beyond your comprehension. You also have the power to control two more things right now, they are to...

Be inspired! Inspire others!