What can you control? Are you spending energy – wasting it – on things you can’t?
In my journey as a leader and coach, I've often emphasized the importance of focusing on what we can control. This isn't just a quote on the wall. It’s a strategic practice that has unlocked tremendous personal and professional growth for me.
As a habit and practice, living proactively has been incredibly transformative in my life. I’m a fan of Steven Covey and his 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Taking Control: The First Step to Effective Leadership
Covey writes that being proactive is about “taking responsibility for your [own] life.” He explains, “It’s the first habit because it underpins your ability to act proactively, not reactively.” This idea is not about ignoring the unpredictability of life; rather, it encourages you to concentrate your efforts on what truly matters.
You and What You Can Influence
Early on as a leader, my desire to be a truth-teller clashed with corporate cultures that favored more indirect approaches. My straightforwardness, while an asset, often became a point of tension. Recognizing this, a thoughtful boss engaged an executive coach, who introduced me to the concept of investing in what you can affect.
