Focusing on What You Can Control
By Marla Skibbins
Focusing on What You Can Control
In life, as we have seen with extreme weather and political unrest, countless things are beyond our control. From the weather to other people’s opinions, many external factors can disrupt our peace if we let them. It brings to mind the Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference".
When faced with these uncontrollable forces, the best course of action is often to accept what we cannot change. Acceptance is not about giving up; it's about having the wisdom to acknowledge the reality of the situation and choosing how to respond. Instead of pouring energy into fighting the inevitable, redirect that energy into areas where you can make a meaningful difference.
The Power of Paying Attention
One of the most empowering steps you can take is to focus only on what you can control. It reminds me of the concept I came across very early in my career called the "locus of control": this is a psychological concept describing how much an individual believes they have control over the events in their life, This includes your mindset, choices, and how you spend your time. By paying attention to these areas, you free yourself from the stress of trying to manage the unmanageable. Mindful practices such as journaling or meditation can help you identify what truly matters. When you let go of what you can’t control, you create space for clarity and purpose, allowing your actions to be more intentional and impactful.
Creating Joy and Direct Change
Time is one of the few resources over which we have considerable control, and it is not renewable. How you choose to spend it can shape your sense of fulfillment. Invest your time in activities that bring you happiness and create tangible results. Whether it’s learning a new skill, volunteering, or nurturing your relationships, these small but significant actions can transform your outlook. The beauty of this approach is its simplicity: you’re not solving global problems overnight, but you are enriching your corner of the world.
Act Locally, Don’t Think Globally
While it’s tempting to feel overwhelmed by the scale of global issues, real change starts with small, local actions. The mantra “act locally, don’t think globally” reminds us that the most meaningful contributions often come from personal engagement in our immediate environment. By focusing on your community, you can create a ripple effect of positive change. Whether it’s mentoring a young person, supporting a local business, or simply being a good neighbor, these efforts add up. The key is to channel your energy into what’s actionable and close to home, leaving the rest to unfold as it will.