This really blew my mind as it’s so obvious and so simple but SO hard to apply! I have had a knee injury over the past few weeks and it can spiral me into a negative place as I am such an active person who just loves being on my bike and outside.
I guess we all have situations we can’t control that challenge us sometimes, but staying really focused on the circle of influence really is the way forward.
I know from bitter experience if I go down the road of concern it just does not serve me, and notice I get lethargic, I feel sorry for myself, I am demotivated and often moody which can overflow onto others.
I am not saying it is easy, but we have a choice about what we think about and I feel it is really important to apply the three A’s I often mention to help us shift into a better place and they are:
‘Acknowledge, Acceptance, and Action,’ first I need to identify the justifiable feelings and in my case I feel, Angry, frustrated, disappointed, and sad.
The next difficult stage is to Accept the situation, I may not like the situation, but it is what it is and finally, the golden power tool, ACTION, what can I do about it?
This is where the shift from the circle of concern starts to get better by now focusing on the circle of influence ( ie what can I do to help the situation). So what can I think about and do?
For me I went and drove to the park instead of ride and sat in there which helped my mental well-being as at least I was getting outside into nature, I did a gratitude list as I have had 2 weeks off and at least rested, I wrote this blog to help others which always makes me feel better and I did things in my home I might not have got around to.
I really hope you find some help in this tool as I do believe it can dramatically help with how your whole well-being can improve with just a small shift of focus. Try it what have you go to lose.