Controlling the Uncontrollable
Don't cloud your mind focused on circumstances beyond your control.
By not trying to control the uncontrollable, we get what we thought we'd get if we were in control.
I love quotes. It’s amazing how so few words can be so meaningful and insightful. I came across this quote recently and it got me thinking, mostly about how much time I waste fretting about things I have no power over. “By not trying to control the uncontrollable, we get what we thought we'd get if we were in control.” It’s so simple but so true.
I know that I’ve gotten myself worked up over an upcoming performance review at work, or hoping that I made a good impression with my new neighbors at their party, or if my flight will be delayed. All of these things, provided that we worked diligently during the year and were relatively pleasant at the party, are out of our control. A delayed flight is almost a given nowadays.
Even small things that are out of our control can keep us up at night. Like, are we going to win our bid on Ebay, will traffic be bad in the morning, how will I get along with that certain relative who pushes my buttons at the next family gathering. Yes, someone may outbid you, it may take you 20 minutes longer to get to work and yes, your annoying relative may be their usual un-charming self next time around. But what can you do? Nothing.
Why waste time worrying about these things when we cannot control their outcome? If you put your best foot forward in work and social situations you are more likely to have positive results. By not worrying about what could happen, this frees your mind up to concentrate on the present and get the task at hand accomplished or enjoy yourself at a party. This positive energy radiates out of you and around you and others will pick up on that.
A quick note about a recent experience with a delayed flight. I live in Atlanta, and usually I can get a direct flight to pretty much anywhere in the country, but on one particular occasion, I was forced to connect to get back to home, which I was not thrilled about and even less thrilled when I got to the airport and found that my flight was delayed. As I only had a 30-minute window to catch the next flight, I was concerned I would miss it. I politely voiced my concern to the ticket agent who responded “I can put you on a direct flight to Atlanta that leaves here in 40 minutes.” I, of course, took it and was home before my connecting flight would have even landed.
Now I realize that this was the exception and not the rule. But it illustrates how worried and upset I could have gotten when things were actually going to work out better for me. And sometimes it may appear that you are not getting exactly what you want at the time, but it is usually because the universe has something much better for in store.
