What We Can Control Pt. 1

The world is filled with sensory and choice overload. Numerous things demand and grab our attention- with the scary thing being that a lot them do not deserve that precious resource. One can get the sense that we have very little control over what happens or what will happen to us. Because of this, it is ever more paramount to recognize what we do have control over. No matter where we go or what we do, we are always in control of 3 things: our focus, our attitude, and our actions.

These 3 big things form a cycle: what we focus on helps determine our attitude, and then our attitude influences our (in)actions.

Focus: A synonym for focus is our attention. This requires two of our most precious non-renewable resources: our time and our energy. Both of these are finite in our lives- we only have so much. Pay Attention what you Pay Attention to- make sure it really is worth your time and your energy.

Wherever you are looking is where you end up going. Make sure that really is where you want to go. Your focus fuels your attitude and then actions.

“The soul gets dyed with the color of its thoughts.” — Marcus Aurelius

Attitude: A synonym for this is our mindset. What we focus on our lives is what we think about. What we think about helps us form our attitude. You can convince yourself of anything, be very careful what you convince yourself of.

“Whether you think you can do it or you think you cannot, you are right.” -Henry Ford

“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.” -Francesca Reigler

Actions: What you do and, just as importantly, what you do not do represents our actions. Choosing to do nothing is still choosing to do something. Recognize that every action has a consequence. Not all consequences are immediate, but they will come. Never equate a delay of consequence with an absence of consequence.

To Be Continued…

Be Better Than Yesterday,

RLH