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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!


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@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: How will people perceive me? Will I be hired for this job? Will I get accepted into this college?

Circle of influence: I can determine how hard and how much I study everyday. I can take the time to learn new skills. I can control my moods and reactions to results.

I can look over my future goals. 

✒️ 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? 

He took action and focused on his own circle of influence/


1. Watch the following video and identify:

<3 3 things in your circle of concern:
1. What is happening in my life
2. Other's opinions of me
3. What others choose to do with their life

<3 3 things in your circle of influence:
1. My well-being
2. My relationships with others
3. My contribution and the efforts I make in the society

<3 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence:
Identify and reflect on what is important to me. It will help me to remain grounded and aware of what matters the most while motivating me to maintain a positive attitude.

2. 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?

<3 The "action-taking" and positive attitude of the executive stand out the most for me.  the executive encountered the issue and offered effective changes without causing any negative effects.

1 reply
whattospeak June 27th

@patientShell1003

Yes i agreee


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@brightLynx1428 I agree

whattospeak June 27th

@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 Circle of Concern

- No Job

- Expensive Debts

-Expensive Shelters

3 Things In Circle Of Influence

- Creating Own Business

- Good Budget Management

- Creating Own Space Of Comfort.

✒️ 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 doesn't take things personally. They are considerate enough to know what they are observing in their surrounding environment and kept on working to seek better options to benefit both parties by being proactive rather than reactive, when taking things personally in tough matters.

1 reply
Cynthialy July 2nd

@casterDjack those are great influences!

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Cynthialy July 2nd

@FrenchToast Concerns: Leading groups, confidence, communication skills

Influence: Motivation to learn, mindfulness, asking for help

Constantly reminding me of making the most out of the journey

1 reply

@Cynthialy

Your insights are spot on. It's great that you've identified leading groups, confidence, and communication skills as areas of concern. Recognizing these allows you to focus on what you can influence, such as your motivation to learn, practicing mindfulness, and asking for help when needed. Constantly reminding yourself to make the most out of the journey is a powerful way to stay proactive and positive. This approach will surely help you expand your circle of influence and achieve your goals more effectively. Keep up the proactive mindset!

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@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.

Three things in my circle of concern are global economic conditions, political climate, and company-wide policy changes. These are factors I can't control directly. In my circle of influence, I can work on improving team communication, developing my professional skills, and creating a positive work environment. To remind myself to focus on my circle of influence, I can set a daily intention to identify and act on one thing within my control, reinforcing proactive habits.

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 stood out for pushing for a simpler device despite having a dictatorial boss, showing a proactive approach by focusing on what he could influence. Instead of getting bogged down by the negative environment, he took initiative, empathized with his team, and concentrated on practical steps to achieve a better product. This proactive stance helped him navigate a challenging situation effectively, demonstrating that success hinges on our responses and our focus on expanding our circle of influence, rather than on uncontrollable circumstances.

1 reply
Ivebutterfly July 15th

@wishfulForest1871 Those insights are so good! I particularly like your daily reminder which will hopefully help you be more proactive and focus on your circle of influence and I might use that for myself as well with my own strategies as well.  

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Ivebutterfly July 15th

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: People's perception of me, The state of the economy, My health

Circle of influence: My reactions and behaviours socially, The amount of work I put in for a certain topic, Self-care and resting strategies to put in place to help manage my health.

To set a reminder that if something concerns me to think about what I could change and trying that before complaining about it to anyone else and trying to talk about things more positively to others.

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 focused on where they were needed and focused on developing their strengths to match the weaknesses of the director. They also helped show other peoples point of view not their own so that people would start being more proactive in the company and share their views with the executive which made the company much better as a whole.

1 reply
Damonchandio July 17th

@Ivebutterfly


💓

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Damonchandio July 17th

@FrenchToast

Identify 3 things in your circle of concern. Global economic shifts, Natural disasters, What others think of me

identify 3 things in your circle of influence. My daily habits, How I manage stress, Relationships with close friends

I’ll set a daily reminder to check in on my progress and actions.

The executive stood out for being proactive by addressing potential issues before they became problems, rather than just reacting when they happened.

1 reply
Noor511 July 30th

@Damonchandio that's definitely a great perspective on stuff!! 💗

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Noor511 July 30th

@FrenchToast 

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 the circle of concern: 

  1. Family issues 
  2. The loss of someone i love 
  3. Future career 

1 thing i can do : 

  1.  Focus on the present and the stuff in the circle of what i can control. 

highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

Not criticizing others, including everyone opinions before making a move , not letting negative emotions takes the lead, taking it in small steps, and overall the way things are represented.

CaringCompanion22 August 3rd

@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.


concern: what others think about me, not being good enough, dragging down the team


influence:  doing my best such that there is no regrets. ensure i am as informed about the situation as possible. Get to know the others in my team on a friendly level. 


focus: just got to remind myself there is only so much I can do in I go, especially if I am new to something. But to also try my best so there is no regrets left


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?


proactive- thinking how to work with the weakness and utilise their strengths 


reactive - critising and talking about their bosses weakness