Use Covey’s Circles for Managing Overwhelm

When I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I often turn to Covey’s Circles to refocus my energy.

Here’s how it works:

• Circle of Concern: Things you’re worried about but can’t control.

• Circle of Influence: Things you can influence but not fully control.

• Circle of Control: Things you can directly control.

When something is bothering me, I ask:

• Which circle does this belong to?

• Can I change it or help to change it?

• Or is it entirely out of my control?

I’ve learned that focusing on my circle of control—how I react, what I prioritise, and the boundaries I set—helps me feel more grounded. Over time, this focus has also expanded my circle of influence. I want to think my circle of concern has shrunk a little, but it’s hard to say for sure!

It’s a simple framework, but it’s been incredibly helpful.

Do you use Covey’s Circles or something similar to manage stress and focus? I’d love to hear how you approach this.