Understanding the Circle of Influence

The Circle of Influence model is a powerful tool for reducing anxiety and focusing on actions we can actually take. Originally introduced by Stephen Covey, this model helps us separate what we can control from what we can’t. This approach became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s still relevant today for dealing with all kinds of challenges, like financial issues, career changes, or personal problems.

The Circle of Concern

There are many things in the world that impact us but are beyond our control. Things like changes in the economy, severe weather, or personal setbacks can make us feel anxious or stressed. If we focus too much on things we can’t change, it can affect us physically, making us feel tense and overwhelmed.

Stephen Covey once said, “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” This idea is central to the Circle of Influence model, reminding us that, even though we can’t control everything around us, we can choose how we respond. The Circle of Concern includes all the things we are worried about but can’t control—like global events or natural disasters. It’s important to recognize these concerns, but dwelling on them can make us feel even more stressed.

Instead, we should focus on our Circle of Influence—where we can take meaningful actions. This means shifting our attention from the things we can’t control to the things we can impact. By doing this, we reduce anxiety and regain a sense of control.

The Circle of Influence

The Circle of Influence includes the things we can take action on and directly affect. When we focus on this circle, we can reduce our stress levels and feel more empowered to handle life’s challenges, both at home and at work.

Exercise: Applying the Circle of Influence and Concern

Here’s an exercise to help you understand and use the Circle of Influence and Circle of Concern:

1. On a large piece of paper, draw a big circle. This represents the Circle of Concern.
2. Write down things you’re worried about on sticky notes and place them inside this circle. These might be things that affect you or others around you.
3. Draw a smaller circle inside the first one—this is the Circle of Control. Move the sticky notes that represent things you can control into this smaller circle.
4. Draw a third circle between the Circle of Concern and the Circle of Control—this is the Circle of Influence. Take another look at the remaining sticky notes and see if there are ways you might influence them, even if you can’t fully control them.
5. Work through these concerns with others, discuss how you could influence them, and move those sticky notes into the Circle of Influence. This process helps expand your influence and reveals possible solutions.

Thriving Through Proactivity

Instead of reacting to outside pressures, focusing on the Circle of Influence encourages us to act on what we can do today to make a difference. This mindset isn’t just about surviving tough times—it’s about thriving by putting energy into what really matters and letting go of what we can’t change.

A Lifelong Approach

Whether dealing with work challenges, relationships, or unexpected changes, this model helps us stay proactive. The Circle of Influence is not just for crisis moments like the pandemic—it’s a lifelong tool for managing uncertainty, building confidence, and taking positive actions.

If you haven’t used the Circle of Influence exercise recently, now might be a great time to try it again. Reflect on your current challenges, figure out what you can influence, and take action to focus on what matters most.

Learn more

Summary of the Video:

In the video, Scott Crest, president of Summit Team Building, explains the Circle of Influence and Circle of Concern using his experience as a mountain guide. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what we can control and shares a story about climbing Mount Everest to show the difference between successful teams and those overwhelmed by stress.

If you’d like to learn more about how to apply the Circle of Influence in team settings, check out our Training Workshops. These workshops help teams understand the Circle of Influence model, enabling individuals to take proactive steps and focus their energy on where it can have the most impact.

FAQs About the Circle of Influence

What is the Circle of Influence?

The Circle of Influence is a concept that highlights what we can actively do something about, in contrast to the Circle of Concern, which includes things we cannot control.

How can the Circle of Influence help reduce stress?

By focusing on what lies within our influence, we can reduce feelings of helplessness and anxiety, leading to greater satisfaction and productivity. In times of change or uncertainty, focusing on what we can influence helps both individuals and teams thrive.

To experience more of our impactful experiential activities, please check out our Training Workshops. In a time of massive disruption and change, organizations need to stay flexible, and our Navigating Change workshop is uniquely tailored to this need.