Reclaim Your Locus of Control Now

How much of your day are you spending thinking about things that are outside of your control? This could be grappling with the big events of the world, last night's presidential debate, or getting fixating on how someone else in your life is behaving.

While it would be nice if the world and the people in it could adhere to our expectations, the reality is that we have the most control over our local sphere of influence. This equates to our own behavior and environment.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or out of control as you look out into the world or at other people, you're not alone. It's human nature. I do it too. But I've learned how important it is to focus on the things I can control and make progress on.

Right now, I've got a to-do list item to get some black-out curtains so my camera lighting is better during the day.

What's on your list? What's one small thing that you can directly impact? Try shifting your focus back into your life.

Maybe it's something in your environment, like going through that pile of clutter, throwing away old post-it notes, or dealing with that bill that's been sitting there for awhile.

Or maybe it's something related to your self care, like popping out for a quick walk, taking some deep breaths while listening to music, or texting a friend.

Or maybe it's something related to a goal of yours, like updating your LinkedIn, signing up for that class you've been meaning to take, or spending some time with a creative project.

This week pick one thing that you can directly affect and get busy affecting it.

You could start as small as spending 5 minutes on a task that is directly under your control.

Remember, you don't have to do everything well or gracefully. Sometimes just making it through a thing is enough.

I'm rooting for you! Try to take one productive step forward, and if that doesn't work, take a break and try again tomorrow.

I'm off to spend five minutes on curtain shopping. I may not finish, but I can get started by opening up some tabs and then make my selection another day.

What are you going to work on? Send me a note and let me know!! I'd love to offer some accountability and ultimately celebrate you and those small, but mighty wins of self efficacy!