82 lines
3.1 KiB
Markdown
82 lines
3.1 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: "Influence"
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permalink: "/influence"
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description: "If it is outside your circle of influence, do not waste time and energy."
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keywords: ""
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image: "team-lab"
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image-attrib: "Digital light show with Team Lab: Borderless"
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---
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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"
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It basically represents the aspects of our lives with which we can actually have some impact.<!--more-->
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What we read, what we buy, what activities we do.
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These are actual things we control.
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However, most of us spend a lot of time and energy on things outside this circle.
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Worrying about things we don't even have the power or capability to affect in anyway.
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News. Sex lives of celebrities. What people think of us. The weather.
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These are things outside of our "Circle of Influence", and will not likely be changed by us.
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So the idea of focusing on them mostly leads to waste of time, and may even cause anxiety.
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## Focusing on the Circle of Influence
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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.
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This is why I do check them still.
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But since they are out of my hands, I try hard to focus on those that I can control.
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Taking into account the variables that will affect me, I navigate life by thinking, "What can I do with the resources I've been given?"
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I have skills, talents, relationships, tools.
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How can I use them to work toward my goal?
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Thinking too much about things that won't help me will just be a waste of time and energy.
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## One Practical Step
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When out commuting or hanging out in the mall, notice that a lot of people can't take their eyes of their phones.
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Maybe 80% plus of strangers you see will have their eyes locked, scrolling stuff on their phones.
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How many of them do you think are browsing social media feeds?
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The thing about browsing too much social media, is you're basically allowing other people to put content in front of your eyes.
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Many of which are outside your influence.
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One second you're looking at a horrifying crime scene, the next you're reading about your high school classmate's new baby.
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You have no control at all.
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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.
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One practical step is to limit others' concerns influence yours by not spending so much time on social media.
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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.
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## Live Intentionally
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It all boils down to how much you want to take control of your life.
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Don't let other people's life and concerns influence your thoughts, emotions, and energy.
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At least, not too much.
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Start checking what activities fill up your day and how much percentage of your time is given to each.
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Do you actually spend time on things inside your Circle of Influence?
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You may find that doing this will be kind of liberating.
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You will slowly feel more confident, at peace, and productive.
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See you tomorrow! :)
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