In a world full of uncertainties, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by things outside our control. Stressors from global events, economic changes, personal challenges, and even the actions of others can leave us feeling powerless. But there’s a powerful shift we can make to regain focus and peace: asking ourselves, “What can I positively affect right now, and what is in my control?”
This question is a grounding practice, helping us turn away from what we can’t influence and focus on the areas where we can make a difference. Let’s explore why this question is so transformative and how you can incorporate it into your life to reduce stress, increase productivity, and cultivate resilience.
Why Focusing on Control and Positive Action Matters
Focusing on what you can control and positively influence is an empowering approach to life. When we worry about things we can’t control, we waste energy, fuel anxiety, and hinder our ability to make meaningful progress. But when we concentrate on what’s within our sphere of influence, we reclaim our energy, build confidence, and become more effective.
This shift in focus can be incredibly liberating. Instead of feeling burdened by external events, we begin to feel capable and resilient. This question helps us take responsibility for our actions, our mindset, and our approach to challenges, turning our attention to actions that foster growth and fulfillment.
Step 1: Understand What is Truly Within Your Control
The first step in applying this practice is learning to differentiate between what you can control and what you can’t. There are three main areas where we can exert influence:
- Your Attitude and Mindset
Your attitude shapes how you view and respond to the world. While you can’t control external events, you can choose how to interpret and react to them. A positive mindset allows you to see challenges as opportunities, stay hopeful, and remain focused on solutions rather than problems. - Your Actions and Behavior
You may not have control over outcomes, but you can control your efforts. By focusing on the actions you take each day, you can create positive momentum, solve problems, and work toward goals. Your choices, responses, and habits are all within your power. - Your Reactions to Situations and People
You can’t control what others say or do, but you can control how you respond. Practicing patience, empathy, and understanding helps you build positive relationships and avoid unnecessary conflict. When you feel triggered, pausing and responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively puts you back in control.
Step 2: Ask Yourself, “What Can I Positively Affect Right Now?”
Once you’re clear on what’s within your control, shift your focus to what you can positively impact in the present moment. Start by asking yourself:
- What small steps can I take right now to move closer to my goals?
- How can I improve my current situation, even in a small way?
- What actions or choices will make a positive difference in my life or the lives of others?
By narrowing your focus to actions you can take right now, you prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed. Small, positive actions, like organizing your workspace, making a thoughtful phone call, or taking time to exercise, can have a ripple effect. These steps accumulate, building momentum toward larger goals and helping you gain a sense of control over your environment.
Step 3: Redirect Your Energy Away from What You Can’t Control
Identifying what you can’t control is just as important as knowing what you can. Many stressors arise from our attempts to control the uncontrollable. Common examples include:
- Other People’s Opinions and Actions: You can’t make people think, feel, or act the way you’d like. However, you can control your responses, set boundaries, and focus on being your authentic self.
- Outcomes and Results: You can’t guarantee the outcome of your efforts. Instead of fixating on results, focus on the quality of your actions. By doing your best, you create the best possible conditions for a favorable outcome.
- Past Events: You can’t change the past, but you can learn from it and use those lessons to make better choices in the present. Letting go of past regrets or mistakes frees you to focus on what you can control now.
- Future Uncertainties: Worrying about the future drains energy and creates anxiety. Instead, focus on present actions that lay a foundation for the future. Plan where you can, but remember that adapting and responding to change will always be within your control.
Step 4: Cultivate a Daily Practice of Asking the Right Questions
Adopting this question as a daily practice can transform your outlook, especially during challenging times. Here’s how to incorporate this mindset into your routine:
- Start Each Morning with Intention
Begin each day by asking yourself, “What can I positively affect today?” Visualize the small steps you can take to make your day productive, fulfilling, or meaningful. This question sets a positive tone and reminds you that you are the architect of your day. - Pause Throughout the Day to Refocus
Whenever you feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, take a moment to ask, “What’s within my control right now?” This simple question can bring clarity, helping you avoid overthinking and redirecting your energy toward what you can manage effectively. - End Each Day with Reflection
Before going to bed, reflect on what you accomplished. Think about the actions you took to create positive change, no matter how small. Over time, these reflections help reinforce a sense of capability, showing you that even on difficult days, you’ve made progress.
The Benefits of Focusing on Positive Action and Control
This practice of focusing on positive action and control has several profound benefits:
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety
When you let go of what’s beyond your control, stress levels decrease. You’re no longer burdened by things you can’t change, and you can focus your energy on what matters most. - Greater Resilience
This mindset builds resilience by helping you stay grounded and adaptable. By focusing on what you can affect, you become better equipped to handle life’s uncertainties, viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. - Enhanced Productivity
When you focus on what you can do right now, you avoid procrastination and reduce feelings of overwhelm. This increases productivity, as you’re actively working toward solutions instead of getting bogged down by worry. - Improved Relationships
By letting go of the need to control others, you can cultivate healthier, more authentic relationships. You can practice empathy, communicate openly, and set boundaries without feeling the need to “fix” or change people.
Final Thoughts: Embracing What You Can Control for a More Fulfilling Life
Life is full of uncertainties, and many things are beyond our reach. But by asking yourself, “What can I positively affect right now, and what is in my control?” you become empowered to live intentionally. You learn to focus on what truly matters, letting go of unnecessary stressors and choosing a path of growth, productivity, and fulfillment.
This question isn’t about ignoring challenges or pretending that everything is fine. It’s about shifting your energy toward constructive actions, maintaining clarity amid chaos, and taking ownership of your life. Remember, the power of choice is always within you—no matter the circumstances. So ask yourself, “What can I positively affect right now?” and let this question guide you toward a life of purpose, resilience, and peace.
