Model:
Summary:
Stephen Covey's model in "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" emphasizes the importance of focusing our energy and efforts on areas within our control or influence. The model is visualized as a set of concentric circles, illustrating where we should direct our attention and action.
The innermost circle represents the Circle of Control, encompassing the aspects of our lives over which we have direct control. This includes our own behaviors, decisions, and actions. Covey suggests that we should focus our efforts here, as this is the realm where we can effect actual change. By concentrating on our circle of control, we can improve our effectiveness and proactivity, thus expanding this circle over time.
The next layer is the Circle of Influence, which includes things that we can't control but can influence to some degree. This might involve relationships with others, work projects, or community activities. Covey advises that by being proactive and working within our circle of influence, we can indirectly affect change and outcomes, even if they're not under our direct control.
Beyond this is the Circle of Concern, which contains the wider range of concerns we have, including global events, the economy, or the behavior of others, over which we have little or no control. Covey points out that focusing too much on this area can lead to feelings of helplessness and stress, as we spend energy on issues beyond our ability to change.
The outermost circle represents areas outside of our concern and influence, essentially the background noise of life. It's not just that we can't control these areas, but they also do not concern us, and therefore, should not occupy our time or thoughts.
Covey's model teaches us to discern between these circles, encouraging us to live and work within the first two—control and influence—while recognizing and accepting that we cannot control everything. By doing so, we can become more effective in our personal and professional lives, channeling our energies where they will have the most impact and cultivating a sense of empowerment. This approach is fundamental to Covey's concept of personal management and effectiveness.
