There are loads of videos, articles, podcasts, and speeches about improving productivity. However, most of them fail to mention the number one method for getting the most out of your energy and time. Let me tell you about it.

‘Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do’ ~John Wooden

I like to consider myself a good friend. That means, when one of my acquaintances has a problem and there looking for a solution, or they just want to get something off their chests, I’m there to listen. I don’t mind. Because, they would do the same for me.

Thinking back on everything I’ve heard from my friends, I noticed a pattern. Much of what they tell me they worry about most and are looking for solutions for, are things they have no control over.

I am guilty of this too. They spend a lot of time and energy thinking about things that are outside their control. By definition, outside your control means, there is nothing you can do. So, why do they spend so much time thinking about things where they cannot affect change.

A great skill to have is the ability to determine which of your concerns you have control over. And, which are outside your control. How much simpler life would be if we would just only focus on the things where we have control. Where, if we did come up with a solution, we could affect change.

Consider the amount of time you might be wasting thinking hard about situations or concerns where, no matter what you do, you can’t affect the outcome. Wouldn’t it be nice to just not think about them and only focus on those things where you can affect change? Sure, it would be.

So, when you find yourself dwelling on challenges, filter out those outside your influence. Disregard these. Only focus on those things for which you can affect the outcome. Think how much time you would save. Plus, think about the amount of stress you will be avoiding.