What Is Within My Control and What Isn’t

There are things I can control, and things I can’t. It’s easy to get caught up in worrying about the things outside of my control, but doing so is a waste of time and energy. Accepting the difference between what I can control and what I can’t is one of the most important implements of growth that I've made, and it helps me focus on what matters.

Focusing on What I Can’t Control Is a Waste of Time

One of the biggest mistakes I used to make was spending a lot of time thinking about things I couldn’t control. I’d worry about other people’s actions, the market, the economy, or things that were simply beyond my reach. The more I focused on these things, the less energy I had for the things that mattered—things I could influence.

Focusing on things I can't change wastes my time and mental energy. It doesn’t do any good stressing over the actions of others or events beyond my control. I could’ve been using that energy on my own actions, which is where I have the power.

Avoiding Action on What’s in My Control Is Foolish

On the flip side, it’s just as harmful to avoid taking action on the things that are within my control. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but in the end, avoiding action only leads to missed opportunities. If I know there’s something I can do to make my situation better and I choose not to act, that’s just as wasteful.

If I want to improve my life, I need to be honest about the things I can change. Whether it’s my work, my relationships, or my health, there are always actions I can take. Waiting for something to change without doing anything myself is unreasonable.

Control What You Can, Accept What You Can’t

I think the key to living a peaceful and productive life is to be honest about what I can control and what I can’t. It’s tempting to want control over everything, but that’s impossible. There are some things, like other people’s actions, the past, or natural events, that I can’t control. But there are things I can—like my attitude, my choices, and my effort.

When I focus on what I can control, I free up mental space to work on the things that will truly make a difference. I can choose how I respond to challenges, how I spend my time, and what goals I pursue. These are the areas where I have real influence, and by focusing on them, I can make positive changes in my life.

Maximizing What I Can Control

I do the best I can with what I have. If I don’t have everything I need, I work with what I’ve got and make the most of it. This helps me produce the best results, even in challenging circumstances. Whether it’s in my career, my personal life, or my health, I try to always ask myself: “What can I do to improve this situation right now?”

By focusing on the things I can change and letting go of the things I can’t, I can make progress. And by doing this consistently, I build a life that’s shaped by my own actions—not by the things I have no influence over. In the end, the most important question I can ask myself is this: “What’s within my control?” And the more honest I am about this, the more I can take charge of my own life and create the future I want.