In most situations, it is observed that WiNC (What Is Not in Control) takes maximum mind-space, leaving very limited capacity for WiC (What Is in Control), resulting in an unwarranted increase in stress and negative energy. For overcoming the challenges, attempt should be to consciously focus on actions directed on WiC, and enhancing CoI (Circle of Influence) to bring more and more things under WiC umbrella.
Life is full of challenges and they need to be welcomed. If one comes out victorious of the challenge, its a great achievement. But even if one fails, it’s a great learning opportunity. I have seen many queries coming from a diverse set of people, where they feel highly disappointed with their achievements so far in life, and are very uncertain and completely confused about how to go forward? In some cases, people have expressed extreme emotions of giving up all hopes.
The situation has aggravated during last 14 months of COVID pandemic, where lot of lives have got disoriented due to medical, professional, financial and social reasons. Although Vaccination is giving some hope but it is still a long and uncertain way to go. Is it that we are helpless in such situation and leave everything to destiny or we can overcome this challenge by our actions? The answer is YES, we can OVERCOME THIS CHALLENGE by keeping right attitude and taking some concrete actions. The long-term success is also determined by the choices we make in our life at every step – read https://www.unleashpotential.in/post/are-you-making-the-right-choices-to-be-successful
Many times, one can’t control what is happening but can definitely control the way one responds to it
An effective approach to handle such situations is just focusing on WiC and everything can be made possible. However, it is easier said than done. A simple DFE model practiced in a systematic and consistent manner can yield outstanding outcomes in any kind of situation.
Differentiate
The first critical aspect is to develop ability to differentiate Between WiC and WiNC. One frequently encounters many difficult situations on personal as well as professional front, which one would prefer not to have. Many times, it seems that one is stuck and there is nothing one can do about it.
That’s actually not the end of the road. One needs to pause, be mindful of the situation and ask the question – What is in my control and what is not in my control? Out of 10 things that could be done in a particular situation, initially everything will look beyond control, but as one further dissects the actions, there will be smaller actions that will be in one’s control, and those need to be focused and acted on.
Focus
It is important to be consciously self-aware to remove the clutter by avoiding, ignoring and giving less mind space to WiNC. These will only release more negative energy, increase the stress level and take us nowhere.
As one focuses on WiC and acts on them in a consistent manner, more doors open. One will find more possibilities to act and will move forward. That will enhance positivity and motivate further to effectively handle the situation.
Enhance Circle of influence
Every person has a different set of gifts (in-born talent), acquired capabilities, developed skills, relationships and attitude, which decides how much one can influence. This is the circle of influence, which governs how many things one finds within control. The larger the circle of influence, a greater number of things one is able to control. The attempt should be to expand the circle of influence by continuously acquiring new capabilities, sharpening one’s skills, enriching relationships, joining communities of interest, maintaining better attitude and being generous.
Smart move would be to try to bring in as many things as possible within our control – thereby enhancing your area of influence. This will progressively help in converting lot of things into WiC, that were WiNC till some time back.
Stephen Covey, in his global best-seller “Seven habits of highly effective people” mentions that proactive people focus on issues in the circle of influence, developing positive energy and confidence by making things happen and so gradually enlarging their circle of influence. In contrast, reactive people neglect the issues that are under their control and influence and grow increasingly bitter and frustrated as their circle of influence progressively shrinks.
You don’t have a right to the cards you believe you should have been dealt with. You have an obligation to play the hell out of the ones you’re holding -- Cheryl Strayed
Let’s take example of the most critical event of the century – COVID 19 pandemic. The whole world is struggling to come out of this situation with minimum pain but most people are clueless and completely unsure of what they should do? The answer lies in above-discussed approach of Differentiating, Focusing and Enhancing:
Differentiate –
WiNC – Daily increase in number of cases, Causalities, Actions being taken by WHO, Measures by government bodies, Research on vaccine/ medicine, other people’s actions, lack of supportive infrastructure.
WiC – Increase immunity, wear mask, maintain social distancing, minimize out of home movement, avoid gatherings, postpone parties and so on.
Focus –
Actions related to things in control like regular exercise, taking immunity boosters, healthy food, three layered masks, wearing double mask when going out, maintain social distancing, avoid lift and air-conditioned buildings, stay at home as much as possible, avoid any parties or gatherings. In fact, this list can be further enhanced and ensuring these actions on sustained basis, will not only take your attention away from noise creating negative energy but also help in preventing yourself from this pain.
Enhance –
There are lot of actions one can take to enhance circle of influence in this situation. This is the time to prepare oneself for future journey by acquiring some new skills or sharpening the current skills, so that one comes out with much enhanced momentum post Covid to cover the time lost. There is huge opportunity to reconnect with old acquaintances and increase network of relationships, which can be of great help in any adverse situation.
Even collecting experiences of friends and relatives who have already gone through the infection and gathering contacts of various facilities, which may be required in case of emergency, also helps in enhancing your circle of influence.
Lastly, I really admire what an Indian author Sadhguru says referring to COVID time – “As you upgrade software on your computer or mobile, this is the time to upgrade yourself by enhancing your personality by becoming 10% physically fitter, 10% mentally sharper, 10% more balanced emotionally and energetically 10% more effervescent.”
This DFE model can be applied to any situation in personal or professional life. We have taken the example of COVID pandemic, as this is the most burning topic on the planet today. However, the same can be effectively applied to any area of your interest like career growth, financial planning, family wellbeing or even starting a relationship. Just a few examples before I leave it to your thought process:
Stock Market
WiNC – Stock prices, Market gossip, sudden spikes, FII/DII actions, profits, final returns
WiC – Investment strategies, Choice of portfolio, Selection process, Limiting the risk, greed, Impatience, expectation management
Career Growth
WiNC – Promotions, Key roles, Speed of Growth, Peer growth, Boss
WiC – Performance, Capability development, Diverse experience, Taking initiative to participate in special projects, putting discretionary effort, Networking
Relationship Management
WiNC – Others’ response to a situation, Others’ Behavior, Others’ reactions, Others’ attitude
WiC – Your own response to a situation, Regular interactions, expectation from others, Your attitude
Golf
I am sure my Golfer friends will give it a thought to recollect WiC and WiNC, as all of us discuss many of them during the game.
Consciously dodge WiNC, and see the magic!
Try applying DFE and you will realize that you can overcome any challenge!
For Share and Like – use below links
For any Services or further Insights/ Support - Contact using form below
Comentarios