Worrying (about nothing),
isn't it wonderful!
Blog by
Bart Monster
I find it fascinating how strong our need is to get worked up and worry about things over which we have no (or very limited) influence. This could be about problems or challenges on a global scale, but just as often about issues much closer to home. What is the point of getting so worked up, and does it even matter?
In most cases, I dare say it serves no purpose. Your agitation has absolutely no effect on the thing you’re upset about. Here’s an example: a referee whistles for offside (rightly or wrongly) and you get upset about it. It’s pointless and the decision doesn’t change because of it. Yet we all do it, even though we know it doesn’t influence the outcome.
The circle of influence
The circle of influence; you’ve probably come across this concept in a management or sales book or training. The circle of influence includes all matters you have direct control over. These are mostly your own behaviors, reactions, thoughts, and decisions. Things you can actively change yourself. There’s little point in focusing outside this circle; you have no influence there anyway. And yet, that’s exactly what we all do together.
Is it a learning process, a secret kind of training?
Or maybe worrying or feeling concerned is a learning process: by being aware of things you care about but have no influence on, you train yourself to handle such situations better? Who knows, maybe there will come a time when you can use that knowledge and experience in a way that does have impact…
Cherish what you can influence
I consider myself a fairly down-to-earth person and try to make the best of things. Not just for myself, but also for society. Over the years I’ve learned that you don’t need to have a solution for everything right away. And that having an overview brings a lot of peace. Still, as I get older, I notice that I worry more and more about issues I have absolutely no control over. Things far from my own life, such as: Iran being appointed chair of the UN Human Rights Forum; a World Cup in Saudi Arabia; countries within the EU frustrating each other on various topics; population growth and all the associated challenges… Fortunately, I do have an eye for the positive developments happening in the world and in my own circles. I can get positively worked up about these.
I think I’m still very much in training
Looking back on this blog, I think I myself am still in training to one day have influence over bigger results that are now still outside my circle. For now, I focus on the positive impact I can make in my immediate environment, both privately and at work.
I wish everyone happy holidays, with or without stress. Hopefully with the satisfaction of making a difference where it truly matters, even if it’s just on a small scale…
Also read the blog by my colleague Joost: If you’re not in the mood, just stay home!
Bart Monster
Director
At MEPD I’ve found an environment where the added value for our customers and participants is even more tangible, and that’s one of the many reasons why I enjoy going to work so much!
