There is a common saying … “don’t worry about what you can’t control.” Though a common saying, I would argue it is not really followed. Most of us routinely stress about things we have no control over, and conversely don’t fully invest in what we do control.
I have come to realize we actually control very little. And as I try to do when I am changing my mindset, I create a tagline to reference when I find myself straying from my desired “new state of mind.” I have tried diligently to abide by the noted saying, and not worry about what I can’t control, but over time I found there is more depth to that saying.
It is born from those thoughts that I created the tagline (as an acronym) DOA2. This tagline reflects what I believe can actually be controlled by an individual. That includes, exclusively, our respective Decisions, Opinions, Attitude and Actions.
Going a little deeper, we can control our individual Decisions, but not the ramifications; our respective Opinions, but not necessarily their accuracy; our Attitude, but not the actual situation; and our Actions, but not the subsequent results.
I submit that beyond those four, we may be able to influence things, including our children, but not actually control anything. We may have more influence over those closest to us, or who work for us, but it is merely a level of influence. We try to increase that influence by instilling discipline by fear or respect, but there are limitations. And those who are further removed, we have less influence.
