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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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CaringSub December 27th, 2023

@FrenchToast@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 my Circle of Concern :

- Global politics

- Global economy

- Global conflict (war)

3 things in my Circle of Influence:

- seeking to understand

-compassion

-empathy

One thing I can do to focus on my Circle of Influence is to continue to learn, collaborate and build positive partnerships.

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?

What stands out about this executive was their ability to recognize the negative approach & stress of the @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 my Circle of Concern :

- Global politics

- Global economy

- Global conflict (war)

3 things in my Circle of Influence:

- seeking to understand

-compassion

-empathy

One thing I can do to focus on my Circle of Influence is to continue to learn, collaborate and build positive partnerships.

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?

What stands out about this executive was their ability to recognize the unproductive approach their boss was taking, leading to stress & mistrust from others on the team. With this knowledge, they used their circle of influence of anticipation, for their boss, but to also build connection with fellow colleagues by refraining from entering into the "negativity", working to find solutions, while maintaining a professional approach to everyone.

3 replies
skanslly December 27th, 2023

@CaringSub

good , do you think your answer is similar to calmingsun on page 2?

2 replies
CaringSub December 28th, 2023

@skanslly

I didn't see that response. This is of my own reflection & my own words. 

CaringSub December 28th, 2023

@skanslly

I never read that response. This was of my own reflection to the questions.

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AwarmHEART December 28th, 2023

@FrenchToast



*Circle of Concern:*
1. Negative thoughts
2. Economic Inequality
3. Political Stability

*Circle of Influence:*
1. Sustainable Practices in Daily Life
2. Volunteering for Local Community Programs
3. Advocacy for Social and Environmental Policies


**Analysis:**
In this scenario, an executive stands out for their proactive approach to address global issues. Instead of being solely concerned about large-scale problems like economic inequality (Circle of Concern), the executive takes action in their immediate environment. They focus on activities within their influence, such as adopting sustainable practices in their daily life and actively participating in local community programs. This executive is proactive in seeking solutions within their reach, rather than reacting passively to global issues. The emphasis on tangible, positive actions in the local community reflects a proactive stance toward creating meaningful change.
1 reply
Lillom January 2nd

Again, epic analysis! Keep up the great effort

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Lillom January 2nd
✒️ _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._

1. My insecurities of my skills
2. Rushing and stressed in time-critical situations
3. Relying on willpower

1. Scheduling skills
2. Prioritisation skills
3. ICS daily training

Reminder: My career and family in 5 years


✒️ _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 read with empathy the underlying concerns of the president. He then tried to buffer his own people to make up for the weaknesses of the president. This cancels out the weaknesses of the president. 
- Worked with the president's strengths

[✒️ _Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!_]

Done
NewYorker11 January 7th

@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.

my circle of concern - unresolved conflict, being better with my money and spending, being more informed about what's going on in the world

my circle of influence -  my parents, my family and my friends

one thing that i can do to remind myself to focus on my circle of influence is to keep a journal

✒️ 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 - showed empathy to his fellow employee

reactive - the executive knew when to react to maintain positivity and order 


1 reply
AuroraAstral January 16th

@NewYorker11

Keep it up you got this!

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AuroraAstral January 16th

@FrenchToast

Circle of Concern: 

1) Heath 

2) Education 

3) Out come with life 

Circle of influence: 

1) How I treat my health 

2) Positive impact 

3) Boundaries to myself 

Instead of always focusing on my circle of concern focusing more on my circle on influence will help me achieve greater things. 

~ Regan

WhereIsRed January 17th

@FrenchToast

Circle of Concern:

  • Environmental issues
  • National education policies
  • Economic conditions beyond personal control

Circle of Influence:

  • Personal health and fitness
  • Academic performance and study habits
  • Building positive relationships with friends

2 replies
safetysource12 January 22nd

Hi @WhereIsRed

That's great to hear. All the best!

1 reply
WhereIsRed January 22nd

@safetysource12

thankyou-aliceinwonderland.gif

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safetysource12 January 22nd

Hi @FrenchToast

My circle of concern consists of :

- Financial Development 

- Career Development

- Validation of my competency


My circle of influence would be :

- Indulging myself if professional learning and development courses/books/people

- Grabbing available opportunities, putting aside my procrastination

- Mental and emotional intelligence development

Reminder to Focus on Circle of Influence:

Establish a daily reflection routine to assess my priorities and actions, emphasizing those within my control and influence.


I've realized the importance of proactively concentrating on my circle of influence, directing my efforts toward things I can change to foster positive relationships. Being proactive involves leveraging my strengths and collaborating with others to reinforce the team's overall capabilities.

DanCat1128 January 26th

@Rosey16

@Avaria

Rosey you are inspiring 😁😁

Avaria Thank you so much for explaining this chapter in detail that I can understand!!!


Circle of concern (Things I cannot control) is as follows:

1) Other's mood

2) Other's reaction 

3) Other's response

3 things that are my influence (how I influence others)

1) I'm helpful

2) I can find a solution to others that ask for help or I see are struggling. 

3) I can be encouraging and positive 

1 thing to help me to remind myself: I feel bad when I don't help people 

1 reply
quietlistener2023 January 30th

@DanCat1128  thats great what you did.  Hopefully you will go on to become a great leader in the roles you take. All the best

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quietlistener2023 January 30th
  • @FrenchToast from the first video I recognized  three things outside my circle of concern such as other people's behaviour and ways of doing things, other people's judgments and what they say about me.
  • My circle of concern involves my own behaviour and treament of others, having integrity and keeping to my role and doing what I should be doing
1 reply
quietlistener2023 January 30th

@quietlistener2023 also what I would do to tell myself would be to ask myself if something is helping me improve my role and development or hindering that.  Is worrying about an issue wasting time or is there something proactive I could do able it

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quietlistener2023 January 30th

@FrenchToast the second video showed the man being proactive and doing what he needed to do.  He focused on his role and in doing things and treating people in a way that encouraged growth and development and did not focus on negative behaviour, judgment opinions and notions.  He seemed to be self disciplined and fair which led to his successes

1 reply
SilverSeastar January 30th

Hello, @quietlistener2023

I like your analyses. You're doing great! 🌟

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