A way to boost your emotional state in a positive way is to know what is in your control and what is not.
We call this the Locus of Control. Locus of Control is a concept that refers to how strongly people believe they have control over the situations and experiences that affect their lives.
I believe to focus on what you can control (which is ourselves) and what we could potentially influence (which is others) we eliminate wasting time, money and effort on things that we have no control or influence over.
We cannot control others, we can only influence them.
Think about how much energy you waste on things you cannot control or influence. This is how much energy you will get back. We do not need to put energy into what we cannot control or influence.
For example, you have no control over a global catastrophe, the economy, government regulations, the weather, or traffic.
Ask yourself “What can I control in this situation? What can I influence? What do I have no control or influence over?”
Do not waste time and energy on those things that you have no control over. This is a life changer. You can get up to 40% of your time back if you only concentrate on things that you control or influence.
I learnt about this concept many years ago in a work situation. Whilst I was quite good at using it at work, I did not think to apply it to my personal life. Once I did, I realised that my life felt easier and with more flow because I let go of what I could not control. The blame and excuses stopped and I felt much more empowered when I only focused on what I could control or influence.
I used to get really angry in traffic when people would cut me off or drive really slowly, or when I thought I would be late. What a waste of energy. I realised that I had no control what would happen in the traffic and I did not know what was going on with the person who was driving slowly or who just cut me off. If I was stuck in traffic I use that time to enjoy talking to my partner and having a quality conversation, or playing a personal development recording that helps me grow or listen to music that would boost my mood.
I celebrate in the patience I feel when having no control of the situation.