What can you influence right now?
Focus your effort on what you can change, not what’s beyond control.
Feeling stuck, powerless, frustrated, or drained can mean you’re focusing on what you can’t control. That’s the moment to ask:
🤔 What can I influence right now?
Our minds can get stuck on things beyond our influence, like political decisions, what others think of us, past mistakes, the economy, or even the weather on our wedding day. Spending time on what we can’t change drains our energy and achieves nothing. The more we get caught up in what’s beyond our control, the more powerless, stuck, and drained we feel. This not only exhausts us but also raises stress and clouds our thinking, making it harder to focus on what we can do. We should accept that some things are out of our hands and not let them upset, frustrate, or distract us. Instead of complaining, it’s more helpful to accept them as they are.
We strengthen our sense of power when we focus on what we can influence. While we may not control political decisions, we can vote, volunteer, donate, join forces with others, or write to representatives. We can’t change the weather on our wedding day, but we can prepare for rain by setting up a tent and moving the ceremony indoors if needed. We can shape aspects of our lives, such as our actions, decisions, priorities, values, goals, principles, and mindsets. For example, we can choose how to respond to challenges, manage our time, and set priorities that reflect what matters most to us.
Focusing on what we can influence is like steering a boat. While we can’t control the wind or the waves, we can adjust our sails and steer our course to keep moving forward.
The shift toward focusing on what we can control takes practice. Our minds will sometimes drift back to things we can’t change, and that’s okay. What matters is noticing when it happens and gently bringing our focus back to where we have power. Each time we do this, we build a habit of agency and resilience. Over time, it helps us sustain our energy, feel more empowered, and meet challenges with clarity and a sense of lightness.
When we focus on what’s within our reach, we open the door to real change and renewed strength. So, ask yourself:
🤔 What can I influence right now?
