Focus on What You Can Control

In times of uncertainty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by factors outside our control. This graphic from EIAgroup.com offers a powerful reminder: peace of mind starts with focusing on what we can control, influencing what we can influence, and letting go of what we cannot control.

The Three Circles of Control

1. What I Can Control
   At the center lies your thinking and behavioral response. You have full control over:

   • How you invest your time

   • Who you choose to spend time with

   • Your fitness and health habits

   • Hand hygiene and social distancing

   • How you feel and think about what’s happening

2. What I Can Influence
   While you can’t dictate outcomes, you can shape your emotional reactions and environment:

   • Pause to appraise emerging emotions

   • Limit news consumption to twice a day

   • Engage your compassionate side to support others

   • Maintain a positive perspective and plan ahead

3. What I Can’t Control
   Beyond your reach are things like:

   • The economy, weather, and other people’s behavior

   • The coronavirus timeline

   • Initial emotional impulses

Focus your energy on the inner circle of the things that you control and release what you can’t.