Circle of Influence vs Circle of Concern
The following is an explanation of the diagram from Steven Covey’s book “7 Habits of highly effective people”.
The circles represent the two areas where you can focus your time and energy. The vast majority of people focus too much time and energy outside of their CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE, which is their CIRCLE OF CONCERN. Such people typically worry about things they cannot control, such as the weather next weekend or war in the Middle East, price of gasoline, result of the impeachment, or who the next president will be. Preoccupying yourself with issues like that is a huge waste of time and energy.
Highly effective people think and act primarily within their Circle of Influence. They don't focus on the things over which they have no control, but instead use their time and energy on issues where they can actually make a difference. By doing this, they gradually expand their Circle of Influence as they earn more power and respect.
Where do you spend most of your time and energy?
If all you do is sit at home each evening, shaking your head as you watch the news, wondering what the world is coming to, you’re way out in your Circle of Concern.
Let me list some common things people worry about (Circle of Concern), followed by an example of something they could do to improve the situation (Circle of Influence):
The circles represent the two areas where you can focus your time and energy. The vast majority of people focus too much time and energy outside of their CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE, which is their CIRCLE OF CONCERN. Such people typically worry about things they cannot control, such as the weather next weekend or war in the Middle East, price of gasoline, result of the impeachment, or who the next president will be. Preoccupying yourself with issues like that is a huge waste of time and energy.
Highly effective people think and act primarily within their Circle of Influence. They don't focus on the things over which they have no control, but instead use their time and energy on issues where they can actually make a difference. By doing this, they gradually expand their Circle of Influence as they earn more power and respect.
Where do you spend most of your time and energy?
If all you do is sit at home each evening, shaking your head as you watch the news, wondering what the world is coming to, you’re way out in your Circle of Concern.
Let me list some common things people worry about (Circle of Concern), followed by an example of something they could do to improve the situation (Circle of Influence):
- Personal finances – learn new skills, learn about business
- Physical health – have a fitness program
- Being single – work on your social skills so you can meet more people
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