The Power of Focusing on What You Can Control: A Path to Empowered Leadership

Focusing on what you can control has the power to transform your life. This simple yet profound concept has been a cornerstone of the BOLD: Advanced Leadership program. This training isn’t your run-of-the-mill program—it’s a transformational experience reserved for a select few to unlock profound growth in leaders. Over the past few weeks, I have spoken with several graduates of this program, and their stories are a testament to the transformative impact of embracing this mindset.

Embracing the Controllable

One graduate shared how, amid a major organizational shift, he felt overwhelmed by the uncertainty and external pressures. Focusing on controllable factors shifted his energy from worrying about potential outcomes to taking proactive steps to perform at his best. This change in perspective alleviated stress and led to tangible improvements in his performance and his team’s morale.

Another graduate recounted a personal journey of overcoming self-doubt. Faced with a critical decision, she chose to concentrate on their preparation and response rather than the uncontrollable opinions of others. This shift empowered her to make confident choices, resulting in the launch of a project she had been sitting on for a year or more.

The Uncomfortable Truth

A common theme among these leaders was the realization that letting go of the “uncontrolables”—those elements beyond our control—is crucial for maintaining focus and resilience. This doesn’t mean ignoring potential challenges but acknowledging them without letting them dominate our thoughts and actions. By accepting the inherent uncertainties of leadership, we free ourselves to act decisively and creatively in the areas where we can make a difference.

One leader described how this approach transformed their approach to conflict resolution. Instead of fixating on the unpredictable reactions of others, they concentrated on their own communication skills and strategies. This shift improved the quality of their interactions and fostered a more collaborative and trusting environment.

Practical Steps to Harness the Power of Focus

1. Identify Your Circle of Control: Start by clearly distinguishing between what you can and cannot control. This might include your actions, responses, and attitudes. Write these down and remind yourself daily to focus your energy here.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Regular mindfulness exercises can help you stay grounded and present, reducing the tendency to ruminate on uncontrollable factors. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and journaling can be particularly effective.
3. Set Clear Goals: Define specific, achievable goals within your control. Break these down into actionable steps and prioritize them. This provides a sense of direction and accomplishment, even in uncertain times.
4. Develop Resilience: Build resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Use the cookie jar technique to practice this art (if you want to know what this is, contact me).
5. Cultivate a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with individuals who share this mindset. Engage in regular discussions with peers, mentors, or coaches to reinforce the importance of focusing on what you can control and letting go of the rest.

The Ripple Effect

The BOLD: Advanced Leadership training graduates have shown that they enhance their effectiveness and inspire those around them by concentrating on what they can control and releasing the uncontrollables. This ripple effect creates a culture of empowerment, where individuals feel more confident, resilient, and capable of navigating the complexities of modern leadership.

As we continue to develop leaders who are driven by passion, mastery, and purpose, let’s remember the profound impact of this simple yet powerful principle. By focusing on what we can control and letting go of the rest, we unlock our true potential and pave the way for transformative leadership.

Over to You

Reflect on your current challenges and identify areas where you can apply this principle. Share your experiences with us and join the conversation on how focusing on the controllables has transformed your leadership journey.

“You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.” – John C. Maxwell.