The Circle of Influence

Finding Calm in Chaos Understanding the Circle of Influence

When the world feels uncertain, overwhelming, or chaotic, it’s natural to feel powerless. Whether it’s politics, conflict, the climate, or personal challenges, we can easily spiral into anxiety about things we can’t control. That’s why I often return to a concept I learned over a decade ago through The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey: the Circle of Influence.

I first encountered it during a job around 14 years ago, and it’s stayed with me ever since. Why? Because it’s a gentle, grounding reminder that even when everything feels out of control, we still have power over something.

What is the Circle of Influence?

Circle of Concern

This is the outer layer, the big stuff we care deeply about or are affected by the most. It includes everything from our health and relationships to global events like politics or the state of the planet. These are things that tug on our hearts but are mostly outside our control. Spending too much energy here can lead to stress, anxiety, and a feeling of helplessness. It's exhausting.

Circle of Influence

Tucked inside the Circle of Concern is our Circle of Influence, the areas where our actions, choices, and presence can genuinely make a difference. This could be how we care for ourselves, how we show up for others, or how we use our voice and time. When we focus here, we regain a sense of purpose and power, even in uncertain times. Though it can be tiring but at least we get energised a little knowing we are doing something.

Circle of Control

At the very centre lies what we truly have control over, our thoughts, behaviours, boundaries, and how we choose to respond to the world around us. It’s a space of self-responsibility and quiet power. When life feels chaotic, this is where we come home to ourselves. Our comfort zone and cwtch zone.

Why It Matters

When we pour our energy into the Circle of Concern, we can feel anxious, angry, or helpless because we’re trying to fix things that are beyond our reach.

But when we shift our focus to our Circle of Influence and control, something magical happens:

• We feel more grounded and present

• We start to see real change in our lives

• Our influence often expands naturally

It’s not about giving up on caring about the big issues, it’s about starting where we can be most effective and emotionally well.

How to Apply It Daily

Ask yourself:

• What is within my control today?

• Where can I make a small difference? In my routine, my home, my community, or in how I speak to myself?

• What can I let go of, just for now, to preserve my energy and focus?

Try this simple practice: Write down all the things on your mind. Then, circle the ones you can directly influence. Focus your energy there.

The Circle of Influence isn’t about ignoring the world, it’s about remembering that real change begins with what we can touch, shape, and tend to right now.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, come back to this: What is one small thing within your influence today? That’s where your power lives.

👉 Feel free to share this blog with someone who needs a little reminder of their strength today. And let me know, what’s in your Circle of Influence right now?