Circle of Control: How to Stay Focused When the World is Overwhelming

10 Nov

Finding Progress, Confidence, and Agency in a World of Worry

In this episode, I’m getting real about a struggle I know many of us face: how to avoid being consumed by the the big challenges. Recently, I found myself stuck in the Circle of Concern, preoccupied with the U.S. election, it was sucking all my time and energy. When it hit me that I was stuck in this circle, I got curious. When there are big issues - and healthcare has its share of big issues - for example the staff you need to do the work that needs doing. When faced with these big issues how do you shift from the circle of concern to the circle of control?

Focus on what you can control is a statement I frequently share with coachees and teams, and now here I was stuck!

So this week I’m sharing Stephen Covey’s Circle of Concern, Influence, and Control, focusing on practical ways to shift from worry to action. I’ll share some personal insights and simple, actionable ideas—like practising self-compassion, staying present, setting meaningful goals, and adopting a growth mindset—to help us feel more focused, empowered, and ready to make progress.