Circles of Control/Influence/Concern

Who created it

Stephen Covey (Adapted from his classic ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’)

What is it

The original model introduced by Covey, highlights the major difference between proactive and reactive people. Proactive people focus on what they can do and influence, whereas reactive people blame and become victims to their current circumstances. The model looks at two major circles, the circle of influence and the circle of concern.

BREAKING DOWN THE MODEL

The circle of concern consists of things we have very little that we can do about it. This can include things like, climate change, geopolitics, and even the way people act. Any time and energy spent on this area is a waste of time. As an example, what is the purpose of yelling at a bad driver.

On the other hand, the circle of influence is much smaller than the circle of concern. This smaller circle is the area that you can influence to change.

The circle of influence can also be split into an even smaller circle. The circle of control.

This circle represents the actions we can take to change the situation.

This region represents your behaviour, attitude, and choices.

Why it’s useful

If we focus too heavily on things that are outside of our control, our energy and brain power we can use on things that matter. By focusing on these external forces, we allow it to take control over us. This leads to lower influence.

However, by focusing on what you can control and the people around you, you’ll begin to effect real change in your local context. As this continues to happen, your circle of influence expands leading to new and bigger possibilities.

To put it another way, be a more proactive person and focus on things you can actually do something about. As you succeed, you’ll see this circle of influence grow.

Reactive people focus on what they can’t control, lowering their circle of influence.

Proactive people build their circle of influence by focusing on what they can control, helping it expand.