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Course 2, Discussion 4: The problem is the path

FrenchToast December 5th, 2022

Hello LDP Team!

The problem is the path is the core insight that helps us evolve as individuals and as a community here on 7 Cups.

Here is an overview of this course:

Course Description: It is natural for us to want to avoid problems. Problems can cause worry, anxiety, and frustration. These are feelings that we often want to avoid. Problems, however, are the key to growth. When we face our problems directly we get smarter and grow stronger. A saying that captures this is: Progress = Pain + Reflection. This course helps you learn the value of problems by highlighting the difference between problems you might be concerned about and problems you can directly solve. Next, it walks you through the ancient practice of steering into problems directly in order to unlock their value and gifts. Finally, it helps you identify and measure progress so you can make continued gains in your personal and professional life.

✒️ Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.

Watch the video here

✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

Watch the second video here

Further Reading (Optional but recommended):

This idea of problem is the path is a reoccurring theme in self help books and especially stoicism. If you are interested in learning more about this thought process, we recommend the following books:

The obstacle is the way by Ryan Holiday

A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, by William Braxton Irvine

✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!

After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here!


🔉This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program, find information on it here tinyurl.com/AcademyLDP

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sky2Ocean20 March 6th

@FrenchToast

✒️ Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.

-> 3 things in my circle of concern

  •  How other people perceive me
  • Nobody cares
  • People are out there to get me

-> 3 things in my circle of influence

  • There is no need to think about what other people think about me. My actions and efforts should matter to me.
  • People do care and are ready to collaborate if they can get along.
  • Things happen in life. Uncertainty is not always bad. 

and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence

  • I can communicate efficiently and able to bring out the best with my right behavior. 

✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

  • Read the room and did not complain without analyzing both sides.-that stands out to me about that executive.
  • Proactive: Made a plan and with details, worked on solving the issue without blaming anyone's behavior. 
  • reactive: It would have been reactive if they focused on the problem and not on finding out a way to bridge the gap. 

March 8th

@FrenchToast

✒️ Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.

Circle of concern

Other's feelings

Economy

Future

Circle of influence

Myself

Time management 

Thing's that makes me happy 


1 things to focus on circle of influence 

by being proactive within this circle, and largely ignoring anything outside of it. To put this another way, focus on the things you can influence, control, or change, rather than the things you have no say over.


✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

Reactive: Taking a decision without deeply thinking about it.


Proactive: Making a plan before action or taking preventive measures.

1 reply
TheOnlyChresser March 9th

@brightLynx1428 i agree <3

@brightLynx1428 I agree

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TheOnlyChresser March 9th

✒️ Identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.

Circle of concern:

1. 
Exams
2. What other thinks about me
3. Death

Circle of influence:

1. Academic performance and skill learning
2. Friendships
3. Time Management

Reminder:

1. 
Make a schedule

✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

Hes proactive and didn't criticize.

He covered the presidents weaknesses and focused on what he could influence.

1 reply
CaringCompanion22 August 3rd

@TheOnlyChresser

this is a great answer!! 

Onyx000 September 5th

@TheOnlyChresser death what a great one !

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PetiteSouris March 12th

@FrenchToast @yourbuddy30

Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence. 

🌹Circle of Concern- Fear, Reaction/Response in all situations, Focusing on non-productive thoughts.

🌹Circle of Influence- Spirituality, Self-Compassion, Determination.

I will focus on my circle of influence by engaging in activities which will foster them. I will not remind myself because I dont believe in avoiding the circle of concern. And I dont agree with the video saying that we should avoid the circle of concern. My belief is that the more we avoid something, the greater chances that thing we are avoiding will occur. It is good to address and face our circle of concern for many reasons I will not delve in at the moment. 

Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

The executive in the video focused was proactive in that he focused on things he can change. He then took the initiative to change the things he can through focusing on his circle of influence. 

Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words! @theonlychresser, I commend you for taking accountability and conveying the need for a schedule. Amazing!


1 reply

@PetiteSouris

Thanks for sharing! 

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daydreammemories March 12th

@FrenchToast

✒️ Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.

circle of concern: my study, my family situation, my relationship with my friends. circle of influence: to focus on studies, avoiding procrastination, spend time with friends. i can learn about ways to study more effectively 

✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

focusing on the circle of influence is necessary to improve, and build a strong bond with the team.

2 replies
Renjik8013 March 29th

@daydreammemories

Hi, I agree with all the things that you mentioned! Good luck on the rest of your journey!

1 reply
daydreammemories March 29th

@Renjik8013

Thank you! You too as well😊🥰

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✒️ Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.

Things in my circle of concern: What others say to others about me, how people talk to me, and the atmosphere of my team.

Things within my circle of influence: The amount of effort I contribute, my word choice/use of tone, and my choice to forgive.

To focus on the circle of influence, I can start by understanding that the circle of influence can always gradually increase, which decreases my circle of concern.

✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

I learned through this video how in order to be more proactive, one must focus on their inner circle of influence and the things they can change with effort.

Renjik8013 March 29th

✒️ Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.

  • Thins in my circle of concern: How people talk to me, the team atmosphere, and how others may view me
  • Things within my circle of influence: how I speak to others in word choices and tone of voice, what have I done and contributed, what have I archived.
  • way to remind me to focus on my circle of influence: constantly reflect on things within my circle of influence and look at ways to increase them.

✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

To constantly review the circles and look for ways to change or improve them.

1 reply
Mik00l April 11th

@Renjik8013
this shows that you have a proactive mindset in focusing on what you can control and influence, rather than getting caught up in external factors beyond your control. goodluck!!

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Mik00l April 11th

@FrenchToast
✒️ Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.

Circle of Concern:
1- Global warming issues
2- 
National economic problems
3- On going conflicts in the world

Circle of Influence:

  1. 1- My Personal health and fitness.
  2. 2- Building strong relationships with my family.
  3. 3- Improving my productivity levels.

To remind myself to focus on my circle of influence, i could:

  • - Set specific goals related to my circle of influence and track my progress regularly.
  • - Surround myself with positive influences and limit exposure to distractions.
  • - Practice gratitude and take proactive steps towards improvement.

✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

This executive stands out for their proactive approach, which includes having a clear vision and strategy for growth, investing in talent and fostering a collaborative culture, and adapting to reality in a forward-thinking manner.


1 reply
kabir22 September 24th

@Mik00l
The practice of gratitude with being mindful of positive influences is really great way to take care of one's own focus and mind. I love the positive attitude and energy! Cheers!

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Ivy229 May 23rd

@FrenchToast

✒️identify 3 things in your circle of concern

Circle of concern- Things we care about and/or may affect us but over which we have little or no control

Global Issues

Actions of others

Past events


✒️3 things in your circle of influence

Circle of influence- things which we can control and/or influence when people are reactive 

How you respond to people

your personal health

learning and growth


✒️One thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence?

Reminding yourself that focusing on your circle of influence empowers you to make positive changes where you can, while acknowledging that some things are outside your control. It’s about proactive behavior versus reactive behavior


✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

I found this story interesting, hearing how the boss's leadership included so many of the things that may you a not effective leader. And how the employee had the self aware to know that he needed to be proactive and assertive to help the other employees influence from the boss be balanced with amazing. Moreover, it was inspirational that he possessed so many of the qualities associated with being an effective leader was impressive. 


I definitely will make it a point to come back to this forum post when I get the chance and check out the optional addition resource provided 

1 reply
KristenHR June 10th

@Ivy229

I like your thought of reminding yourself of what is in your control and what isn't.  I believe that is a great way to manage things, but I also need to remember to do that more often. 

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KristenHR June 10th

@FrenchToast

✒️ Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.

Circle of Concern - Worry about being capable enough at certain things, Having enough capacity for the needs of my responsibilities, and Concerns of hearing concerns and not misinterpreting them. 

Circle of Influence - Being compassionate and a people person, good at drawing people in and delegating, and good at taking feedback and ideas and being open to what is possible.

Reminder - Two is better than one.

✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

They looked at what their boss needed and identified the bosses weaknesses and strengths and worked to complement the strengths to make them a team, rather than the boss against the team.  He worked with the team as well to help them work on projects to strengthen and help them be more of a team and to reduce the negativity of the talk of the boss.  They took the initiative to see how to build the boss up and to help reduce the conflict in the office, having a win-win outcome.