Control the controllables for better results
I went to an owner manager business course last year. It was hugely beneficial on many levels. One of the gems learned I most often recall is the voice of the facilitator reminding us to ‘control the controllables’ and not to worry or focus on what we cannot control. This is great advice for business and life.
I am often reminded of it, particularly in these times of change and challenge. With the Wexford COVID numbers spiraling, the effects the pandemic are everywhere. However, there are also hugely positive signs as the vaccine is being rolled out and we see people like Vicky Phelan and many others shine in adversity.
WHAT CAN I CAN CONTROL?
I can control what I choose to focus on. Whatever you focus on you feel. When you focus on what you want in life, you feel good. If you focus on what You fear, you feel afraid.
Uncertainly and doubt are enemies of the mind. Too much of either makes us doubt ourselves and the world around us. Overtime this creates a feeling of overwhelm and even feeds hopelessness and cynicism.
To change, it is helpful to understand how your mind works. Although 90 percent of the thoughts most of us have today are the same as yesterday. We all have full freedom to change what we focus on – but it does take conscious effort.
Half of what we do on a daily basis is based on habit. Einstein says the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Many of us are insane by that definition!
We are in a new situation. New thinking is required to solve the problems of today. It may not require big changes in perspective, but at least an openness to think differently and change viewpoints, actions and habits. When we are afraid it is hard to see the solutions and opportunities. So, we go in a loop.
For the most part – you can control our habits – when you go to bed, exercise, eat, drink etc. This also has a huge bearing on our wellbeing.
They say depression comes from living too much in the past and anxiety from thinking too much in the future. We can only change things in the present moment. Joy, happiness and peace live in the present moment.
Our minds are always looking for problems. Focusing on the present has always been the best advice for a happy healthy life but at times of sudden drastic change it is even more important.
We can only handle so much negativity, so it is important to not consume too much of it. For every one negative. you need three positives to neutralize it. They say a thought ratio of 5 to 1 is thriving.
When we control what we can control, we achieve positive results. Overtime we start to feel better. We start to believe in ourselves as we can rely on ourselves. Confidence arises.
What can you control today – now? Focus on that. Take positive action. And see the results.