Battle Uncertainty by Focusing on Your Circle of Control

Greetings from London! As I write this week’s message, I’m reminded that whenever I travel overseas, I’m struck by how day-to-day life goes on—often in contrast to whatever may be going on in the world at the time. It’s a fact of life that, somewhere, there’s going to be bad news or things weighing on our minds that can feed on our anxieties.  

But the best antidote to uncertainty is to focus on what you can actually do: your Circle of Control. Think about the three concentric circles we often hear about: 

1. Circle of Concern: All the big events and possibilities that keep us up at night. These are often big picture items, the types of things that, if you keep a passing interest in the news, you hear about on a day-to-day basis. These are the huge forces that, as much as we’d like to, we can’t personally stop or rewrite. 
2. Circle of Influence: The realm just beyond your direct control, but where you can still meaningfully shape outcomes through relationships or strategic effort. For advisors, that might mean communicating with suppliers, forging new partnerships, or educating clients on best practices. 
3. Circle of Control: The sweet spot where you have the power to decide and take action. Your mindset, how you build your business processes, deciding to attract new business, the way you handle client concerns—these are all in your hands. 

When we zero in on the Circle of Control, especially during uncertain times, we help ourselves remain calm, productive, and forward-thinking. For instance, as an example, if there are tensions abroad or at home, you alone can’t singlehandedly fix them. But you can control how you address those concerns (and in turn influence your clients’ thinking): educating them on customs, preparing them for common differences, reassuring them, and providing a great experience that dispels unwarranted fears. 

By the way, from my vantage point in London, I’ve seen that the daily rhythm here moves right along. People work, shop, dine out, and enjoy life. Tourists are being made to feel quite welcome here. Granted, each destination may be different, but my personal experience, generally, says that on the ground, most people just keep living. Happy ignorance? I don’t know. Perhaps. In the end, as travel professionals, we just need to be concerned with our clients and their safety.  My two cents: I believe you can offer anyone with doubts a little reassurance as they prepare to depart. 

As travel entrepreneurs, the point to remember is not to let headline anxiety stop you from doing what you do best: guiding, supporting, and inspiring your clients. 

So, the next time alarming news flashes across your screen, pause and ask: “Is this within my Circle of Control? If not, is there any small way I can positively influence it?” If the answer is no, try to let it go. If yes, take proactive steps. By focusing your energy on what you can control (and positively influence), you’ll find that not only does business thrive, but your own peace of mind grows too.