Switching Spheres

It's a cloudy, chilly day here (other than being cold, my favorite kind of day... a drizzle is the only thing missing) and as I drove and listened, the level of conviction in me rose by the minute.

The author was speaking about sphere of influence versus sphere of concern, and as he spoke, an entirely new frontier of personal growth appeared in front of me.

This is what I like most about learning; the more you learn, the more you know you need to learn.

Rewind 20 minutes to the DMV; stress is high all around, people complaining, staff disinterested, lines are long, mood completely gloomy.

Literally why we say we hate the DMV.

Thank God I had an appointment.

As I stepped up to the photo counter for a new and improved mug shot, I complimented the woman running the computer for her incredible talent at running two computers at a time (she was getting two residents through at any given time, and I LOVE efficiency).

She smiled and said, "oh, thanks, you get the hang of it after some time."

I said, "well, I'm serious, it's very impressive, nice job," with a standard, not too cheesy smile.

A second later, FLASH the camera snaps the mug shot and she says "wow, you beat the camera, we always need a second shot - you did a great job!"

Now, between you and me, I could care less about how many times we need to capture a photo at the DMV, it's just an ID.

But I noticed as I signed the last document that her mood had drastically improved, she had offered a very kind compliment, and saw me off with a bright smile.

Back to the car, listening intently.

I began to see how in the last two weeks since a major fallout and subsequent costly repair in my business I had been in a slump, focusing on uncontrollable, outside factors which I had no direct influence over.

I was allowing my sphere of concern to broaden beyond, way beyond, my sphere of influence (that which I can directly influence, impact, and control).

Just like I couldn't change the attitude of the DMV staff, I can't change the geopolitical, multinational decisions that have completely altered the tactical direction of Dovito.

BUT, just like I could change my attitude and actions with the DMV staff, indirectly impacting their attitude and actions, I can change my attitude and actions with my business and suppliers, maintaining strategic direction and altering tactical actions accordingly.

I realize that's a mouthful, and yes, I could be more concise next time, but as I process this out, I'm realizing that I have so much to grow in as it pertains to refocusing.

I see areas where I've focused on someone else's traits, abilities, decisions, even network to determine who I can be today.

That's so wrong.

I've also witnessed over and over in the past months how making the first move, taking the initiative, and extending beyond what emotionally I feel is fair or just can do to effect lasting change in others around me.

So why stop at "oh yeah, I guess that does work"?

How about being intentional EVERY SINGLE DAY to focus on my sphere of influence -- that which I CAN change -- and not getting caught up in a sphere of concern which isn't mine to bear?

It takes intentionality, and it takes consistency.