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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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betty212 August 3rd, 2023

@FrenchToastClub

3 things in my circle of concern: other people's reactions, circumstances which affect the flow of the project, and other people's actions 3 things in my circle of influence: my emotions, my approach towards my work, and my response to others 1 thing I can do to remind myself to focus on my circle of influence: telling myself that focusing on things in my circle of influence can help me



the executive took the initiative and empathised, he did not complain or gossip but read the situation. - he worked on the President’s underlying concerns and worked with the President’s strength by anticipating the need - he gave recommendations and analysis - his character analysis lead to a complementary team as this was his chosen response. He strived to make things better rather than complain about them.

1 reply
warmheartedCamp3360 August 11th, 2023

@betty212 amazing job Betty !!

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warmheartedCamp3360 August 11th, 2023
@FrenchToast

1.
3 things in my circle of concern :

  • Other's opinions
  • The end result
  • Social standards
3 things in your circle of influence

  • My actions and attitude
  • My thought process
  • My personality and character
  • Focusing on the process instead of the results
thing I can do to remind yourself to focus on my circle of influence : focus on self improvement

2. I was pretty amazed and impressed how he dealt the situation. His attitude to find a real solution instead of hating or blaming others stood out and was more proactive than reactive.
Artalistens August 17th, 2023

@ FrenchToast

Three things in my circle of concern anything that I am personally in charge of such as my own finances, or my own health and doctors appointments, even how I choose to react to the environment around me. Three things in my circle of influence. The circle of influence might talk about things like climate change, or real life issues that we want to resolve.Reminding myself that the circle of influence will become larger, and the more we focus on it, which will make the circle of concern, decrease meaning we have less things to become concerned about, and more problems will be resolved. Through the video, it’s best to focus on the circle of influence. As it will help increase productivity and stronger relationships among others.

lovelyApple6441 August 17th, 2023

@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 are my chronic pain condition, my financial situation as a low income student, and my academics. 3 things in my circle of influence would be my diet and activity level, getting an extra job and applying to scholarships, and receiving more academic support. I think the one thing I can do to remind myself to focus on my circle of influence is to think about how even though I can't change my health condition or finances or grades that I've already received, I can always think about ways to improve those for the future.

✒️ 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 video has since been made private (so you can't access it), but I did search up proactive vs reactive and read some articles about it. What stood out to me was thinking about situations in advance so that you don't emotionally react without being reasonable. I think one thing that could be considered proactive is to set boundaries for how you want friends/partners to treat you in advance, and to think about how to enforce those boundaries if they are crossed. This way, you don't find yourself feeling quite as confused and reactive in the moment.

pandanfe August 30th, 2023

@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
Influence from others
Want to try almost everything
Do something nice to the country

Circle of influence
Reflect and learn
Explore more and more
Start on personal level to do something nice

Thing that I can do to remind me to focus on my circle of influence
Remain proactive to myself and others

(2nd video isn't available)

Edits:
Since the 2nd video is now available, I'm here to attempt second question

✒️ 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?
Taking time to change what we can is the best way of addressing situation rather than ranting or being depressed about anything.

LightsFromDark September 4th, 2023

Things in my circle of concern: what others think of me. How to make others happy. What will happen if they abandon me? My circle of influence: makes people smile, caring, likes to help. One thing I can do to focus on the circle of influence is to remember the good things. What I learned from the video is that I need to focus on things in the circle of influence.

1 reply
LightsFromDark September 6th, 2023

@LightsFromDark Clarification: The manager in the second video focused on his circle of influence. And did not refer to the behavior of his boss. From here I learn that I need to focus on my circle of influence.

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LOOPHOLE September 7th, 2023

@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 under my circle of concern

- Apprehensive about my future

- Negative thoughts

-Self criticism


3 things under my circle of influence

- Working on my skills

- Incorporating positive thoughts

- Doing challenging things


Introspection will help me focus on circle of influence.



✒️ 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 rather than pointing out the mistakes or going with the others opinion, tried to take a step back and analyse the situation properly and form a rational and different opinion of himself which further helped them to be an integral part of the organisation , which would be considered a proactive.


@ Frenchtoast

Informative post.. thank you


LoveMyMoonflowers September 23rd, 2023
✒️ 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:
- what others think of me
- my mental health
- my family

3 things in my circle of influence:
- what I say to others
- how I behave
- reflection and learning from my mistakes

One thing I can do:
- I can remind myself to focus on my circle of influence more than 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?

This executive decided to focus more on his circle of influence, on things he could do rather than things he couldn’t do anything about. He was also very observant and empathetic in that he wanted to understand the perspectives of his colleagues.
Another thing that really stood out to me was that this man didn’t secretly complain about the president, like the others did. Instead he observed the strengths and weaknesses of the president.
1 reply
bestBraveheart57 October 10th, 2023

@LoveMyMoonflowers

Hi, Moon. That's great standpoint. It's inspiring how he silently observe and actively anticipating his bos weakness.

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bestBraveheart57 October 10th, 2023

@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.

Circle of concerns

1) Executable research;

2) Scopus publication goals;

3) and sincere networking based on past collaboration or alumnae.

Circle of influence

1) Family support and second opinions for major life decisions;

2) Supervisors who carry out research on more advanced topics with clear expectations;

3) And maintain social life including volunteering at 7 Cups.

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

It touched my heart when I saw his influence grow in a positive outlook and run smoothly when he behaved with a proactive approach. He was proud not to exaggerate his achievements and able to cover up his boss' weaknesses.

I remember my brother-in-law who assisting her boss and was successful in his career. He is also a very humble and reliable person.

If i saw myself in the past, I had no one and heard a lot of gossip spread about me. It's a dual sword like I'm not sure if my friends hate or like me. I discovered I was actually doing the right thing to avoid triangulation and some other behaviors that pretty different with people. I've seen as a freak. But, i have qualities aside, some of my teachers and senior leaders reflected that to me.

Just a crowd behaving like a crowd as my circle of influence expands. Or maybe it comes from jealousy. I felt sad throughout that period but not anymore now.

1 reply
Grace3012 October 15th, 2023

@bestBraveheart57

That's nicee! Keep going!

1 reply
crypticwhisperss1 December 13th, 2023

@bestBraveheart57

These are such detailed points! It is fascinating that you have probed through your concerns and used them to become a better version of yourself. I am proud of you! Keep going. 😁💗

~ Xaverie

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Grace3012 October 15th, 2023

@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. War

2. Economy 

3. Religion


Circle of influence:

1. My friends

2. My family

3. My relationship partner


Remember, control what u can and let go of the other

✒️ 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 planned before , took steps ahead of time!

1 reply
Shannon1996 November 8th, 2023

@Grace3012 love your response :)

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