Pour energy into the closest circles of responsibility first. Don’t obsess over distant problems. Embrace immediate duties.
Five Circles of Responsibility
#1 You
Develop yourself. Challenge yourself. Manage yourself. That should keep you busy. Marcus Aurelius said, “Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.”
#2 People in Your Care
Take care of your organization and team. At home, take care of your family.
#3 Your Community
Bring value to your city, clubs, or place of worship. Pay your taxes. Buy local.
#4 Wider Spheres of Influence
Serve an online community, for example.
#5 The World
Don’t hide behind serving the world while neglecting the first four circles of responsibility.
Start Here
Grow influence by handling near responsibilities well. Say “no” to external demands that dilute your highest responsibilities.
“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” Marcus Aurelius
A Point of Clarity: Some circles of responsibility overlap, #2 and #3 for example. Faithfulness at work often serves your family.
What distant issues distract you from near responsibilities?
How can you focus on your first circle of responsibility today?
The First Step Toward Solutions
Read: Man’s Search for Meaning
