Your Circle of Control

In this part of the conversation, I discuss the concept of Ikigai, which is a Japanese concept that helps people find purpose and meaning in life. Ikigai is represented by three overlapping circles: the circle of concern, the circle of influence, and the circle of control.

Most people tend to invest a lot of time and energy into their sphere of concern, which includes various external factors and issues they can't control. This includes things like climate change, food sources, and news events. While it's natural to have concerns, it's essential to shift our focus towards our circle of control, which consists of things we have direct control over.

Our circle of control includes our personal life, health, relationships, work, and mindset. By spending more time and resources in our sphere of control, we can have a more significant impact on our own lives and achieve meaningful outcomes. This means dedicating around 75-90% of our time, abilities, and resources to our circle of control and reducing the time we spend on our circle of concern.

By doing this, we can focus on things we can directly influence and let go of things that are beyond our control. Ultimately, the goal is to do good work and put our efforts into areas that have a direct impact on our lives.

So, the next time you find yourself getting caught up in concerns that are beyond your control, remember the concept of Ikigai and shift your focus towards your circle of control. By doing so, you can find purpose and meaning in your life and make a real difference in the areas that matter most to you.