Life in Kenya has been a roller-coaster ride lately, full of ups and downs that have left people emotionally drained. From tax issues to skyrocketing costs of living, to concerns about leadership and governance to the worries of running a business in an increasingly challenging environment, the list of national headaches seems never-ending. And if that weren't enough, there are the usual personal struggles we all face: job insecurity, work pressure, and the pressures that come with family and social interactions. It's no wonder people are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and helpless.
But here's the thing: we can't simply ignore these problems and hope they magically disappear. Sure, time has a way of resolving some issues, and you've already survived 100% of your toughest days. Sometimes, all you can do is weather the storm. But let's be honest, that's easier said than done when you're right in the middle of it. The trouble is that focusing solely on the problems and difficulties drains your energy, leaving you feeling deflated, stressed, and even more anxious.
So what's the key to navigating through these challenging moments? It lies in shifting your focus to what you can control. Take a step back and you'll realize that some of the things causing you stress are completely out of your control. You can't change them, no matter how much you worry. Then there are those issues where you have limited influence, where your actions might make a small difference. And finally, there are the situations that demand bold and drastic changes.
Instead of allowing yourself to be consumed by the storm, redirect your attention to the things within your power to change. By doing so, you regain a sense of agency and make the most of your time and energy. Dwelling on the negatives only hinders your progress. It's time to prioritize what you can do in the midst of the chaos, and trust that by focusing on the controllable aspects, you'll find a way to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side. The key word here is taking some action. James Baldwin said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed without facing it.”
Dale Carnegie also said, “If you want to conquer fear, don’t sit at home and think about it. Go out and get busy”. In order to regain control and navigate through life's challenges, let's take a closer look at the things you can focus your energy on. Here are some areas that you have the power to influence and improve:
1. Shifting Your Perspective:
When negative thoughts creep in, it's crucial to change your focus. While it may take time and effort, acknowledge these thoughts and make a conscious effort to redirect them toward positive ones. One effective strategy is to write down the things you can control. Embrace personal growth and practice mindfulness by staying present, observing your surroundings, and focusing on the task at hand.
2. Taking Care of Yourself:
Your physical and mental well-being plays a significant role in your ability to face challenges. Pay attention to your breathing and practice techniques such as meditation to gain control over your mind. Prioritize a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a disciplined routine. Additionally, nurturing your social connections and dedicating time for self-care, even if it's just 20 minutes a day, can have a profound impact on your overall well-being.
3. Managing Your Emotions:
Let go of painful emotions by expressing them through writing or talking, but don't dwell on them for too long. Remember, you are not defined by your emotions, and they should not dictate your actions. Reflect on how far you've come and celebrate your achievements. Understand that circumstances change, and tough times won't last forever. Cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on the good in life and practicing gratitude for what you already have.
4. Focusing on Yourself:
Direct your attention toward aspects of your life that you have control over, rather than comparing yourself to others. Recognize that your time and focus are precious resources, so narrow them down to the tasks that truly matter. Set realistic expectations for yourself and make the most of your reality. Dedicate the necessary hours towards your goals, understanding that success requires consistent effort over time. Invest in your education and constantly acquire new skills, utilizing resources such as books and audiobooks to expand your knowledge.
5. Surrounding Yourself with the Right People:
Choose your friends wisely, prioritizing quality over quantity. Surround yourself with individuals who add value to your life and share your values. Remember the saying, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." As you grow and evolve, your circle may decrease in size, but it will increase in significance.
6. Enhancing Your Impact:
Consider how your actions can influence the experiences of others. Be kind and considerate, as even small gestures can make a significant difference in someone's life. Strive to improve your interactions and create positive outcomes for everyone involved. The more you positively impact others, the better your life becomes. The law of cause and effect.
7. Taking Charge of Your Health:
Your physical well-being is crucial for overall success. Pay attention to the fuel you put into your body and engage in regular physical activity. Avoid excessive sleep or sleep deprivation, as finding a balanced sleep schedule can greatly enhance your performance and well-being. Become more mindful of what you consume, and how much you move.
8. Building a Supportive Environment:
Create a conducive environment for growth and productivity. Organize your workspace and eliminate clutter to help manage the complexities of your goals effectively. Additionally, be mindful of where you live, as residing in areas with more opportunities can significantly impact your personal and professional growth. I know this one can be a tough one since for the majority, your environment is highly dependent on various factors like school and work. However, if an environment does not support your growth or success, perhaps it’s about time to think about relocation.
9. Cultivating Happiness:
Remember that happiness is a state of being, and is not solely determined by external circumstances. Align your reality with your expectations and strive for personal fulfillment. Find happiness in the things you are doing now. We tend to live in the past or the future, therefore missing what’s going on in the now. The practice of mindfulness works on helping practitioners become more mindful in the now.
By focusing on these controllable factors, you can regain a sense of agency, navigate life's challenges more effectively, and create positive change in your own life and the lives of those around you. This focus might not change the circumstances you are facing immediately, and they might make life more difficult in the long run, however, time will still pass, and you’d want to be a better person than remaining the same person.
Use that time wisely, and you’ll be able to ride the storm albeit a little easier by focusing on what you can control.
So what are you going to focus on controlling today?
You can check out the article Focus on the one thing.
