When faced with a challenge or a situation that doesn’t go the way you would like it to go, it helps to know what is within your control. 

To help with this, draw a shape that represents you on a piece of paper – this may be a circle, a stick figure, a drawing of your face – as long as you feel like it represents you. From there, write out the things that you know are within your control. If you write something that is dependent on others, or outside of your control, cross it out. 

Here’s an example of what this might look like:

If you prefer to hear this audibly, record it in a voice memo and play it back to distinguish what’s in your control. Record a new voice memo with what truly is in your control.

Once you’ve established what’s in your control, brainstorm a few ideas on what you can do to help with the solution. If you prefer to stay with the visual, add these words to your piece of paper. Otherwise, if you prefer to verbally brainstorm, add another voice memo with your ideas. 

When you can focus on you and what you can control, you’re able to find how you can really have an impact. 

As we move into the holiday season with a busier than usual calendar, use an exercise like this one to focus on what you can control and what you can let go of for a little more peace.