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_drafts/2020-02-29-influence.md

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+---
+title: "Daily Blog: Influence"
+permalink: "/influence"
+description: "If it is outside your circle of influence, do not waste time and energy."
+keywords: ""
+image: "team-lab"
+image-attrib: "Digital light show with Team Lab: Borderless"
+---
+
+I first learned about the concept of "Circle of Influence" in a book written by Stephen Covey called "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
+
+It basically represents the aspects of our lives with which we can actually have some impact.<!--more-->
+
+What we read, what we buy, what activities we do.
+
+These are actual things we control.
+
+However, most of the time we spend time and energy on things outside this circle.
+
+Worrying about things we don't even have the power or capability to affect in anyway.
+
+News. Sex lives of celebrities. What people think of us. The weather. Co-workers' personal lives.
+
+These are things outside of our "Circle of Influence", and will not likely be changed by us.
+
+So the idea of focusing on them mostly leads to waste of time.
+
+## Focusing on the Circle of Influence
+
+Yes I know, the weather, the economy, news and other things outside of my Circle of Influence will definitely have and effect on my quality of life.
+
+But since they are out of my hands, I try to focus on those that I can control.
+
+Taking into account the variables that will effect me, I navigate life by thinking, "What can I do with the resources I've been given?"
+
+I have skills, talents, relationships, tools.
+
+How can I use them to work toward my goal?
+
+Thinking too much about things that won't help me will just be a waste of time and energy.
+
+## One Practical Step
+
+When out commuting or hanging out in the mall, notice that a lot of people can't take their eyes of their phones.
+
+Maybe 80% plus of strangers you see will have their eyes locked, scrolling stuff on their phones.
+
+How many of them do you think are browsing social media feeds?
+
+The thing about browsing too much social media, is you're basically allowing other people to put content in front of your eyes.
+
+Many of which are outside your influence.
+
+One second you're looking at a horrifying crime scene, the next you're reading about your high school classmate's new baby.
+
+You have no control at all.
+
+When you spend most of your time aimlessly scrolling down this rabit hole, you will find yourself slowly being numb to things that are actually inside your Circle of Influence.
+
+One practical step is to limit others' concerns influence yours by not spending so much time on social media.
+
+Remember that the currency of the internet, the real "money" online, is not in your bank accounts, but the attention or time you give away.
+
+## Live Intentionally
+
+It all boils down to how much you want take control of your life.
+
+Don't let other people's life and concerns influence your thoughts, emotions, and energy.
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+At least, not too much.
+
+Start checking what activities fill up your day and how much percentage of your time is given to each.
+
+Do you actually spend time on things inside your Circle of Influence?
+
+Or do you waste away your day on those that won't even give your life any additional value?