You’re putting in hours, grinding day after day, but it feels like no matter what you do, the world around you isn’t changing in your favor. Maybe the economy is tanking, maybe competitors are making moves you can’t control, or maybe the political climate is creating hurdles for your business.
Frustrating, right? But here’s a hard truth—if you’re spending all your energy on things outside your control, you’re not just wasting time; you’re burning yourself out for nothing.
The Power of Focusing on What You Can Control
Here’s the deal: most of the things that stress you out, that keep you up at night, are outside your control.
The economy, your competitors, government policies—these are all part of what Stephen Covey famously called the “Circle of Concern.” While these things are important, focusing on them won’t change a damn thing.
What you need to do instead is shift your focus to your “Circle of Influence”—the things you can actually control or impact.
This includes how you run your business, how you interact with your customers, and how you manage your resources. By honing in on these areas, you not only improve your business, but you also gradually expand your influence over time (Own My Growth, Caroline Dakin Associates).
Real-World Example: Expanding Your Influence
Let’s look at a practical example. Imagine you’re running a small local business. The economy is in a downturn, and consumer spending is down. You could waste your energy worrying about macroeconomic trends, or you could focus on what you can control.
Maybe that means doubling down on customer service to keep your existing clients happy, or it could involve launching a new marketing campaign to attract a different demographic.
Here’s where it gets interesting: as you focus on these controllable aspects, you start to notice something. Maybe word-of-mouth starts to spread because of your improved customer service, or maybe your new marketing efforts bring in a wave of new customers.
Suddenly, you’ve expanded your influence. You’re no longer just a small player getting by; you’re starting to shape your own environment.
Why Solopreneurs Should Embrace This Mindset
As a solopreneur, you don’t have the luxury of wasting energy. Every minute, every dollar counts. By concentrating on your circle of influence, you ensure that your efforts are directed where they can have the most tangible impact. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
When you focus your energy on what you can control, you’re not only more productive, but you also set yourself up for long-term success.
You’re building a business that can adapt, survive, and even thrive in unpredictable environments.
Plus, by mastering the elements within your circle of influence, you naturally begin to expand that circle, giving you more control and influence over time (Table Group).
How I Can Help
In your journey as a solopreneur, understanding where to direct your energy is crucial. While I can’t fix all your problems, I can guide you in focusing on what truly matters—helping you plan and strategize in a way that aligns with your personal and business goals. This isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving in your unique environment.
For more insights, tips, and guidance, explore my website to learn how I can Be of Service to you on your journey to success. Let’s work together to ensure your efforts are driving the results you want.
This blog post is about saving your energy for efforts that provide tangible results within your circle of influence. If you find value in these insights, consider joining my newsletter to stay updated on new posts and other news.
It’s just me here, writing these posts because I believe in sharing practical advice with you. If you enjoy my content, sign up for my newsletter here. Let’s continue this journey together!