In this episode of Create Like the Greats, Ross Simmonds dives into the transformative concept of the “Circle of Control vs. Circle of Concern.” In a world where being "too busy" often becomes a badge of honor, Ross challenges this mindset by exploring how the time we save from one distraction is often squandered on another. Drawing on Stephen Covey’s timeless framework from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Ross provides actionable advice to help listeners identify what truly matters, focus on what they can control, and let go of what they can’t. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or creative professional, this episode offers practical strategies to help you reclaim your time and energy.

Key Takeaways and Insights:

1. The “Too Busy” Myth

Many people proudly declare they’re too busy for unproductive habits like watching TV, yet they often replace it with equally unproductive activities such as endless scrolling on social media. The issue isn’t the specific distraction but how we manage our time overall. Ross highlights that truly effective individuals don’t just eliminate distractions; they deliberately prioritize activities within their control to maximize productivity and fulfillment.

2. Circle of Control vs. Circle of Concern

Stephen Covey’s framework divides our attention into two categories:

• Circle of Concern: These include things we care about but cannot influence, like algorithm changes, celebrity gossip, or others’ successes.
• Circle of Control: These involve aspects within our power to change, such as our personal habits, producing meaningful work, or managing our mindset.
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Ross emphasizes that the more time and energy we devote to our Circle of Control, the more productive and fulfilled we become. This mindset shift not only reduces stress but also empowers us to achieve meaningful progress.

3. Actionable Questions to Start Shifting Your Focus

Ross encourages listeners to ask themselves two key questions to realign their priorities:

• How often do I focus on activities that genuinely move me forward, such as working on my goals or honing my skills?
• Are my daily actions aligned with the things I can actually influence? 

Resources:

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey 

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