Everyone has worries and stresses about something. It is part of who we are as human beings. Learning how to reduce worry and stress can help us lead a happier and more satisfied life. People who focus their time and energy on things they can control rather than on things they cannot control are better able to handle the stresses in life. Sometimes we obsess about other’s problems and how to solve them. It is not helpful to worry about problems that you cannot fix or try to force solutions onto or change other people. The Circle of Control is a tool that can help you recognize issues and problems that you have direct control over and help you focus on the right things. When you act on things within your Circle of Control, you can reduce your stress and increase your happiness because these are things you are able to do something about it.

Use the Circle of Control to identify things that you can control and should focus on. Review the items that you have little or no control over and try to learn to accept what you cannot change. When you are stressed or worried and in a situation where you are trying fix, help, or change others and situations, use the Circle of Control to help decide if this is within your circle of control or not. Over time, you will be able to shift your time and energy to focus on things you can control. This will lead to less stress, self-neglect, frustration, nagging, and anger and will help you lead a happier life.