By Doug Strickel
I was recently speaking with a client about an ongoing obstacle that just wouldn’t go away. This obstacle in his life consumed a great deal of his time and a great deal of his mental and emotional energy. As we discussed how to approach this issue, I simply asked him if he felt he had complete control over the outcome. He acknowledged that he was not in complete control.
Once we established lack of control, the next step became obvious. I suggested he lean into what he did have control over and move on. In other words, he would focus only on what he could control.
How many of us spend hours worrying about and struggling to resolve things that we don’t control?
If you are searching for a life plan that would provide peace, fulfillment, and impact, consider the following approach.
- Get up early: We seldom hear people talk about routinely “sleeping in” and having an impactful day. I can personally attest to the value of getting up early and starting the day with positive actions and healthy habits. There is something about the early morning hours that prepares one for the day and generates positive thinking and mindset.
- Focus on what you can control: Relentlessly engage and pursue what you can control. You don’t control outcomes, but you do control attitude, effort, actions, responses, conversations, habits, and focus. In other words, focus on inputs rather than outcomes. When you engage relentlessly, you don’t leave room for items outside your control.
- Go to bed tired: A day well-lived will end with you ready for rest. Take a few minutes and reflect on the day but turn off the technology and get some rest. Relentless pursuit will take a lot out of you and require rest to re-engage the next day with the same level of relentless pursuit!
I was recently reading about the life of the Apostle Paul. Now, whether you are a Bible reader or not, this account tells a powerful message.
Paul came to God asking for relief from some problem that he referred to as a thorn in the flesh. He asked God three different times for help, but God simply told him that His grace was sufficient. In other words, Paul would have to live with the issue but remain dependent on God to navigate through the obstacle.
Keep in mind, Paul was actively engaged in healing others and had an impact with people that was even more widespread than what Jesus did in His ministry. So, while Paul was healing others, he was told to remain dependent and focus on what he could control.
We crave control, but we don’t always control outcomes. We do; however, control inputs.
Why don’t you take some time and consider the approach noted above. It may just be what you are searching for to experience a different life.
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