How do you know when something’s outside your control?
How do you know when something’s outside your control? A practical guide to knowing when to hold on—and when to let go 🧠 Framing the Question Most of us say “that’s outside my control,” but rarely define what that actually means. Learning to spot when something is outside your control is a leverage skill : it protects your energy, lowers anxiety , and lets you focus on the few moves that truly matter. A Simple Three-Circle Lens Picture your life as three circles: what you control , what you influence , and what you simply experience . Most frustration comes from mixing these up. This post offers a clear way to tell which circle you’re in—so you can respond with more intention at work, in relationships, and in your own head. 1. Start with the “steering wheel” test A fast way to see if something’s outside your control: ask, “What can I directly do that guarantees this outcome?” If you can’t name an action that reliably produces the result, you’re...