YOUR Circle of Strength

Circle of Strength.jpg

 

Today I want to share a technique that I know will help when you feel triggered or fearful.

But before that, if you missed the grounding techniques from last week, read this: ‘How to stay grounded when the world is shaking’.

Circle of Strength

Have you heard of the Circle of Concern and the Circle of Influence?

Correct me if I’m wrong, but the model was developed by Stephen Covey, author of '7 Habits of Highly Effective People'.

Within the Circle of Concern is everything that is outside your control, and within the Circle of Influence is everything that you can control.

I’m oversimplifying it here, but he defined proactive people as those who focus on what they can influence and reactive people as those who focus on their concerns.

Consequently, the proactive people are more effective and successful, while the reactive people tend to be victims of circumstance.

You can use this technique for any situation, but I think it’s particularly helpful when you feel fear rising about all the ‘what-ifs.’

 

 (If needed, go back to the grounding exercises first.)

How to create your Circle of Strength

  • Draw two large concentric circles on a piece of A4

  • In the outer ring (the Circle of Concern) write out all your concerns and everything you can’t control. For example, news headlines, government decisions, the economy

  • In the inner circle (the Circle of Influence) write out everything that is within your control. For example, how you react and behave, who you talk to, what you say, where you source your information, limiting time spent on social media

  • It's easy to escalate a concern when everything is jumbled up in your head, so getting it out on paper will give you perspective

  • Keep your mind focused on that inner circle – it’s going to be your source of strength

(handwritten is better than typed)

ABOUT ME

I’m Tracy, a Career Consultant and former Executive Headhunter. Through 1:1 coaching, I help senior executives and leaders land great jobs and be successful at work.

I work with clients around the world from my London-based Zoom office.

If you’re ready for straight-talk and career guidance, get in touch – let's start the conversation.

 

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