Focus Where You Can Make the Greatest Impact

This week, I found myself reflecting on a coaching conversation with an executive navigating significant uncertainty.

Organizational changes, shifting priorities, and external market pressures had created an environment where many important decisions were being made outside of their direct control. As our conversations unfolded, I noticed a familiar pattern. More and more energy was being spent on what was happening to them rather than on where they could create impact.

Sound familiar?

When uncertainty increases, it is natural to focus on circumstances we cannot change. Unfortunately, that focus often leaves us feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and stuck.

One of the most powerful mental models I use with leaders in these moments is the Circle of Control, Influence, and Concern.

The model helps us separate:

Circle of Control
Things we can directly control such as our mindset, actions, choices, habits, and responses.

Circle of Influence
Things we cannot control directly but can impact through relationships, communication, trust, and leadership.

Circle of Concern
Things we care about but cannot control or meaningfully influence.

The breakthrough often comes when leaders stop investing most of their energy in their Circle of Concern and intentionally redirect it toward their Circle of Control and Influence.

A few reflection questions:

• What am I spending too much time and energy worrying about?
• Where do I have more influence than I realize?
• What action can I take today that is fully within my control?
• How can I redirect my focus to create the greatest impact right now?

Leadership is not about controlling outcomes. It is about consistently directing your energy toward the places where you can make the greatest difference.

What would shift for you if you focused less on what is happening around you and more on where you can create impact?  Comments open.  

Happy Thursday all,

-srt

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