Anzal AnsariThe Circles of Influence to Quiet Overthinking
Focus on what you can control, influence what you can, and let go of the rest
A powerful framework for mental clarity:
The Circle of Control (innermost): Your focus, thoughts, actions, choices, and reactions. This is where your energy should be concentrated.
The Circle of Influence (middle): Things you can impact but not fully control - health, family, friends, finances, work environment, relationships.
The Circle of Concerns (outer): Everything you worry about but can't control - war, weather, economy, politics, natural disasters, other people's opinions, the past, the future.
The insight: Overthinking happens when we spend mental energy on the outer circles instead of focusing on what we can actually control.
When you catch yourself overthinking, ask: "Which circle is this in?" Then redirect your attention inward to where you have actual power.