Effectively using the Circles of Concern, Influence & Control
More effectiveness through a focus on self-efficacy
Do you know the feeling of being overwhelmed by all the demands and information around you? In a world that is constantly becoming more complex, it is easy to lose focus on what we can really influence. Stephen R. Covey, author of the bestseller The 7 Ways to Effectiveness, offers a powerful tool to gain clarity and strengthen your self-efficacy with his model of "Circles of Concern, Influence and Control".
Origin of the model: from philosophy to practice
The concept of the three circles has its roots in Stoic philosophy. Centuries ago, thinkers such as Epictetus emphasized the importance of distinguishing between controllable and uncontrollable things. Epictetus wrote: "Some things are within our power, others are not."
Stephen R. Covey took up this idea and integrated it into his model of personal effectiveness. In his book The 7 Ways to Effectiveness, he describes how people can act more proactively and successfully by focusing on their sphere of influence.
the Circles of Concern, Influence and Control by Stephen Covey
Circle of Concern: What concerns you but is beyond your control
The Circle of Concern encompasses all things that concern or worry you - from global issues such as climate change and the economic situation to personal matters such as the opinions of others or the behavior of colleagues. Although these topics demand your attention, you often have little to no influence over them.
If you focus your energy mainly on the Circle of Concern, this can lead to feelings of powerlessness and frustration. You spend time and energy worrying about things you can't change, which limits your ability to act.
Circle of Influence: Where you can actively make a difference
Within the Circle of Concern lies the Circle of Influence - the area in which you can exert influence through your behavior, your communication and your decisions. This includes, for example, your relationships, your work and your health.
By focusing on this circle, you can actively bring about change. Covey emphasizes that proactive people focus their energy on the Circle of Influence and thereby expand their sphere of influence.
Circle of Control: Your thoughts, decisions and actions
At the center is the Circle of Control - the area over which you have complete control. This includes your thoughts, attitudes, decisions and actions.
By focusing on this innermost circle, you strengthen your self-efficacy and resilience. You take responsibility for your life and act proactively instead of allowing yourself to be determined by external circumstances.
Difference between proactive and reactive behavior
Do you know the feeling of constantly reacting to external circumstances without really being in control? Stephen Covey distinguishes between proactive and reactive behavior - a difference that is crucial for your personal effectiveness.
Reactive behavior: When external circumstances set the tone
Reactive behavior occurs when we allow ourselves to be guided by external stimuli. We react to situations without consciously reflecting on them and focus on our circle of concern - i.e. on things that we cannot control. This often leads to feelings of powerlessness and frustration.
Exemplary thought patterns:
"There's nothing I can do about it."
"That's just the way it is."
"If only the others would change."
Such thought patterns can lead us to direct our energy to areas that are beyond our control, which limits our ability to act.
Proactive behavior: Taking back control
Proactive behavior means making conscious decisions and taking responsibility for our own actions. We focus on our Circle of Influence and Circle of Control - the areas where we can actually make a difference. By focusing our energy on these areas, we expand our sphere of influence and increase our self-efficacy.
Exemplary thought patterns:
"What can I do to improve the situation?"
"I decide how I react."
"What options do I have?"
Through proactive behavior, we take control of our lives and act out of our values.
Practical application in everyday life and coaching
The three circles model offers a wide range of possibilities for use in everyday life and in coaching. It helps you to gain clarity about your own influence and to focus on solution-oriented action.
Self-reflection with the Circles of Concern, Influence and Control
An effective method for self-reflection is to draw the three circles on paper.
Draw three concentric circles.
In the outer circle (Circle of Concern) you note down all current worries and stresses that you cannot influence.
In the middle circle (Circle of Influence) you enter the aspects that you can influence.
In the innermost circle (Circle of Control) you list the things over which you have complete control.
This visualization helps you to organize your thoughts and set priorities. It promotes self-efficacy by focusing on aspects that can be influenced and controlled.
The Circles of Concern, Influence and Control in coaching
In the coaching context, the model serves as a tool for clarifying issues and promoting self-responsibility. Coaches can support clients in differentiating between influenceable and non-influenceable issues and focusing on the Circles of Influence and Control.
Sample coaching questions:
What aspects of this situation can you influence?
What is beyond your control and how can you deal with it?
What concrete steps can you take to bring about change?
Such questions encourage the coachee to act proactively and take responsibility for their own life.
Circles of Concern, Influence and Control in different areas of life
The three circles model is not just a theoretical concept, but a practical tool that can be used in various areas of life to increase personal effectiveness.
Personal development
In terms of personal development, the model helps you to focus on your own options for action and not be overwhelmed by external circumstances. By concentrating on your Circle of Control and Circle of Influence, you strengthen your self-efficacy and resilience.
Sample questions for self-reflection.
Which thoughts and behaviors can I actively influence?
How can I consciously shape my reactions to certain situations?
Professional context
In a professional context, the model helps you to set priorities and focus on the aspects that you can influence. This leads to a more efficient way of working and reduces stress.
Exemplary applications.
Focus on tasks that you can influence directly instead of worrying about external factors.
Set clear goals and develop strategies to expand your sphere of influence in the team or company.
Relationships
In relationships, the model helps to differentiate between the behavior of others (Circle of Concern) and one's own reaction to it (Circle of Control). This promotes healthy communication and strengthens the relationship.
Sample questions for reflection.
How can I improve my communication to avoid misunderstandings?
Which aspects of the relationship are within my sphere of influence and how can I shape them positively?
Conclusion: focus on the essentials
Stephen Covey's model of "Circles of Concern, Influence and Control" offers a powerful orientation for personal growth and resilience. It helps you to focus your energy on what you can really influence - a key step on the path to greater self-efficacy and inner clarity.
By focusing on your Circle of Influence and Circle of Control, you strengthen your self-efficacy and proactively shape your life. The model is more than just a theoretical concept - it is a practical tool for more serenity and self-determination.
Marco Schmitt - Systemic Coach
If you feel it's time to realign your focus and strengthen your self-efficacy, let's have a chat.