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Course 3: PL 102 - The Problem is the Path (Discussion 1)

GlenM August 26th, 2020

Please note: In order to successfully complete Course 3, you must respond to this post. Your comment/response should answer the questions/shows that you completed the given activity (if any). Read the post carefully and follow the instructions given. Save your responses to a document that you can later refer to. You will need to copy/paste your response in the course evaluation form at the end of each course to show that you have done the work and to refresh your memory.
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Hello LDP Team!

I am enjoying this program and I hope that you all are finding it helpful and meaningful! I'm excited about this next course. 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.

1. 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.

https://youtu.be/tD0aFZkFrFA

2. 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?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj8dmSgQa1c

Bonus: Check out chapter 8 of the book 7 Cups for the Searching Soul (more in the next discussion) for a deeper dive into learning more about accepting what we cannot control.

After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here! You must take part in the brainstorming/activities given in all of these posts to successfully complete the program.

(edited by @SoulfullyAButterfly on 29/1/2021 to update (1) to replace it with a working YouTube link)


This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program Team, find out more information about the program here.

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Beaconx September 16th, 2020

@GlenM

1. 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 -
1 the global economy
2. What people think about my decisions and actions. 3. Family Members and colleagues

Circle of Influence - 1.Focus on building sustainable relationship and trust with the people in my circle of influence.
2. Constant self development to be able to enlarge my circle of influence through competence and interdependence.
3. Improving my Time management and people skills.

Remind Myself - That I can control some things but others I can not.. Stop expanding my circle of concern.

2. 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 was proactive and focused on his circle of influence without clashing with the president authority. He made the president weakness Irrelevant .. recommendations .. his circle expanded and his strength seen as success which is great leadership skill.

Bonus: Check out chapter 8 of the book 7 Cups for the Searching Soul (more in the next discussion) for a deeper dive into learning more about accepting what we cannot control.

LOVE THE BOOK !!! - Chapter 8 talks about worrying and stressing and how it affects us and how to work on how we deal with things using Mindfulness is one of the methods. Taking care of ourself is so important and letting go of things that we cannot control and not stressing over things. Controlling things is not going happen only very few things. We are stressed out mentally and physically because of focusing on what we cannot control.
I really enjoyed the book, it's an eye opener. Kudos 😍

crystalclearnow September 17th, 2020

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.

*The 3 things that are in my circle of concern - Family health, current world issues and friends.

3 things that are in my influence 1) Daily meditation. 2) Gratitude journal 3) Indulging in self-care.

1 thing I can remind myself to focus on my circle of influence- My positive energy will have a ripple effect, focus on what I can change and not on what I cannot.

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

Something that stands out about this executive is that he reads the room and can anticipate the needs of the president. Instead of focussing on the problem, he is focussing on the solution. His proactivity- He anticipates the weakness and prepares the solutions/reports in advance. By working on the strengths together, everyone is focussed towards the same outcome.

1 reply
Zahraa000 February 28th, 2022

Good answer 😊

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ahealingEndoftherainbow22 September 17th, 2020

@GlenM

1.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 - health and well being of loved ones, education, my mental health

Circle of influence- taking care and spending more time with loved ones, knowing my limitations, creating a disciplined study plan and being regular, taking time for self care and time off for myself

Reminder- positive self affirmations, that I'm in control of how my day is and not allowing the situations /circumstances control me.

2. 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?

Woow!! I absolutely loved this video and it surely was enlightening. I loved the way the executive focused on complementing the strengths of the boss and compensating his drawbacks and hence creating a wonderful balance. The way he focused on growing his circle of influence instead of worrying about the concerns is proactive

1 reply
hopedreamlove September 18th, 2020

@ahealingEndoftherainbow22

I love how you wrote about using positive affirmations and reminding yourself about not allowing the situation to control you. Very well thought out response!

Zahraa000 February 28th, 2022

I like it

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Petrichor2000 September 18th, 2020

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 the circle of my concern are :

1. I had trust issues, I still feel scared of getting hurt or betrayed or cheated on. But that isn't in my control.

2. I can't control the way people reacts or judges me.

3. I can't control and make decisions for others.

Three things in my circle of influence are :

1. I can focus on my giving my best in anything and trying to be better in any relationship.

2. I can fix my health and academics.

3. I can make better decisions for myself and lead by an example.

One thing that I can do to remind myself to stay in the circle of influence is to ask myself to leave things in the hands of God, give my best in everything without connecting to the results and remembering that if it isn't in my control. It doesn't deserve to bother me either.

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 was understanding and weighted everything before making any decision. He tried to focus on his influence and complete his work so that his boss would not feel worried or bad.

1 reply
Zahraa000 February 28th, 2022

Good answer

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BookChunky September 18th, 2020

@GlenM

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 your circle of concern - My family - their wellbeing, My education and career and My friends , our environment.

3 things in your circle of influence - My physical and mental health, protecting the environment around me and take care of my family/spending more time with them.

1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence - Focus on things I can change and take care of rather then things outside my circle of concern.

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

He was very active in his work, he understood the strengths and weaknesses of the team and president and focused on solutions rather the problems. He focused and expanded his circle of influence rather than worrying about things that were not in his control.

1 reply
hopedreamlove September 18th, 2020

@BookChunky

I love how you highlighted how he focused on the solutions rather than the problem!

1 reply
BookChunky September 19th, 2020

@hopedreamlove

Thank you hope!

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shiningSound31 September 19th, 2020

@BookChunky

Good Work, Chunky heart

1 reply
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Endure777 September 21st, 2020

@BookChunky

Awesome! I love how one of your concerns if your family's wellbeing, that is an important concern for sure!

WelcomeToChat October 9th, 2020

@BookChunky

Great analysis of the video content.

Keep in touch !

Ines1229 December 9th, 2020

@BookChunky

Good work!!! <3

ouiCherie January 6th, 2021

@BookChunky

Focus on things I can change and take care of rather then things outside my circle of concern. ◀︎Superb! ❤️

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hopedreamlove September 18th, 2020

1. 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 is my family, my future, and the injustice happening across the country, and the world.

3 things in my circle of influence is supporting and being there for family, studying and working hard on school, and educating myself and speaking up when I see injustice.

In order to remind myself to focus on my circle of influence, I can remember this quote "When you can't control what's happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what's happening. That's where your power is."

2. 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 stood out to me was that instead of trying to change the president's behavior, he worked to change his own behavior instead. He worked so his strength could compliment the president's strength, and so it could compensate for the president's weakness. Instead of getting upset or complaining over the president's behavior, he was empathetic and figured out how to work with him and the rest of his co-workers and to help keep the work environment positive and strong.

1 reply
Endure777 September 21st, 2020

@hopedreamlove

Good job on your response! I don't know about you but I loved the videos. They made it easy to understand the concepts.

InvaderStitch September 26th, 2020

@hopedreamlove

Injustice is one of the ones in my circle of concern as well, I didn't put it in my top three because sometimes I just feel so helpless when it comes to seeing how awful the world has become. I hope that I can become more confident and assertive so that I can expand my circle of influence to contribute to the global issue of injustice as well.

StarrrGirl20 September 12th, 2022

Bravooo!!!

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shiningSound31 September 19th, 2020

@GlenM

[Note: I have earlier posted my response for this discussion. The reason I am again posting my response is that in my earlier post, I didn't answer the question '1.c']

1. a) Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern,

Three things in my circle of concern are: 1) Getting a good salary job; 2) low score in conscientiousness in the big 5 personality test, and 3) coronavirus and the health of my family and mine.

1. b) 3 things in your circle of influence

3 things in my circle of influence are: 1) upskilling myself; 2) Observing the precautions related to coronavirus, Eating healthy foods, Exercising daily, drinking the appropriate amount of water and taking good night sleep; and 3) focusing on making myself disciplined and responsible toward my actions, promises and dreams.

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

I would tell myself that focussing on the circle of influence enlarges the area of influence while focussing on a circle of concern yields nothing positive but negatively impact the emotional well-being.

2. a) Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive?

The executive focussed on his inner circle of influence. He was proactive and patient. He was anticipating the need and concerns of his president. Instead of criticising, he focussed on empathising and complementing the strength of the president through his strength.

2. b) What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

The executive was proactive because he used to anticipate the needs and concern of the president. While presenting information to the president, he used to provide his own analysis and recommendation based on that analysis.

1 reply
InvaderStitch September 26th, 2020

@shiningSound31

Corona virus is definitely a big thing in a lot of people's circle of concern right now, and it's so tough because we have such limited influence over it. However, we can choose to wear our masks, social distance, and follow health official guidelines to limit the spread of the disease.

1 reply
shiningSound31 September 26th, 2020

@InvaderStitch

I completely agree with you ??

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StarrrGirl20 September 12th, 2022

Amazing <3

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September 20th, 2020

1. 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 are: My health, racial/religious bias faced, relationships with people

My circle of infulence: Taking care of my health, being good to people irrespective of how they are to me, keeping my belief and faith alive.

I remind my self i can take my step towards health, be active in the society, they to make things work with people and leave behind the negativity

2. 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?
Unlike others he did not feel negative or think negatively about the situation. He took control of things what was within his scope. So i guess he was proactive with work and his boss and did not let his emotions get the best of him

1 reply
peacefulWarrior10 October 12th, 2020

@Magicallykermit58

Loved your positivity about how you would treat everyone nicely irrespective of their racial discrimination tendency! Wow!

StarrrGirl20 September 12th, 2022

Great job !!!

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MoonlightHelper1 September 20th, 2020

@GlenM

Identify 3 things in your circle of concern.

The health of my loved-ones, humanitarian crisis (the starvation and extreme poverty in some places…), & concerns about not being able to work in the area that I feel would fulfill me, but instead being forced to take any job to provide for my family

Identify 3 things in your circle of influence

I think it is extremely important that we should not think of our circle of influence simply as a category, instead I think that we are more or less able to approach every situation and there is always at least something we can do (for example I cannot change the fact that there will always be poverty in the world but I can go and spend some time volunteering to make at least little different). Therefore 3 things in my circle of influence would be 1. My attitude to any given set of circumstances, 2. The decision to dwell on a problem or be proactive instead, 3. The amount of effort I put into achieving my goals

Identify one thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.

I can put some inspirational quotes to my room so it would remind to me that when we focus on the problem, then the problem increases, but when we focus on a small first step we could do to make the situation better, then the number of new possibilities increases.

Highlight what stands out to you about this executive.

What makes him stand out is that he focused on his circle of influence to bring in change. It was very inspirational to see his determinedness.

What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive? *

He did not only take things as they were but he focused on what he CAN do to and did not just accept the situation as others. He was not discouraged by the amount of work and time it took until he reached his goal. He had built upon weaknesses and created a system that encouraged their strengths instead – he focused on a solution instead of looking at the problem alone.

1 reply
peacefulWarrior10 October 12th, 2020

@MoonlightHelper1

Absolutely loved your circle of influence and how you'd remind yourself of it! Keep it up 👍❤

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Endure777 September 21st, 2020

@GlenM

1. My three areas of concern are; finances, health, and relationships. My three areas of influence are work ethic, knowledge, and time management. One thing I can do to remind myself to focus on my circle of influence is to focus on the things I can control.

2. What the executive did to be considered as proactive was focus on his circle of influence, he focused on the things he can control when it came to contributing to the company. The executive complimented his strengths and compensated for his weaknesses.

1 reply
peacefulWarrior10 October 12th, 2020

@CognitiveACE

Loved how you said "complementing strength and compensating weakness". Also your area of influence is powerful! Ethics and knowledge especially.

Asher October 26th, 2020

@CognitiveACE

Focusing on what you can control I find is so tough to do as we want to help everyone. Where do you see the first steps in working on focusing on things you can control?

lyricalAngel70 December 24th, 2020

@CognitiveACE

Very well said, thanks a lot for sharing your opinion. heart

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