FranklinCovey Consultant Blogs | Renee Tomlinson | Core Concept

Circle of Calm

Thursday, February 19th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments

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A mental health professional, referring to the physiological impact of stress, said the adrenal gland in the average person is likely 25 years older than he/she is because of over-use.  Adrenaline is the flight or fight chemical which increases our physical strength and heightens our senses when we are in dangerous situations.  Competing for a parking spot near the mall entrance is likely not a life or death situation calling for a shot of adrenaline.

As a person who has accessed adrenaline more than recreationally and can “catastrophize” (new word — just hasn’t made it to the dictionary), with the best of ‘em, I am learning to slow the flow of negative external messages and stick with reality as a way to calm myself in anxious moments.

Relate this to the “Circle of Influence/Circle of Concern“, a core concept from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The only things we personally can control are our words and actions.  Our behavior, then, comprises the inner Circle of Influence which will either have a positive or negative impact on other people or situations.  The outer Circle of Concern is composed of people, events, and situations that we choose to care or even worry about.  When I teach this concept in my workshops, I am struck by two sentences people often say when they come to understand it:  “Now I know what to focus on.” Or, “Now I know what to let go of.”

Anxious about_____?  (Fill in the blank).  My advice is to choose to remain calm by focusing on the Circle of Influence:

  • What can you practice and become proficient or even great at?  Perfect practice makes perfect.
  • Who/what is most important to you? Focus and spend time with these people and on these activities.
  • What do you choose to access?  What needs to be turned-off?

FranklinCovey is the go-to solution provider for individuals, teams, and organizations choosing to go for greatness.

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