http://www.google.com/notebook/feeds/16030649691016479450/notebooks/BDR9jIgoQ8KeQ_94h/NDRnWSgoQp7ei_94h2006-09-27T15:33:21.447Z2006-09-28T22:15:57.024ZThe things we are concerned about could be described as our "Circle of Concer...The things we are concerned about could be described as our &quot;Circle of Concern&quot;. There are things we can really do something about, that can be described as our &quot;Circle of Influence&quot;. When we focus our time and energy in our Circle of Concern, but outside our Circle of Influence, we are not being effective. However, we find that being proactive helps us expand our Circle of Influence. (Work on things you can do something about.)<br> However, we find that being proactive helps us expand our Circle of Influence. (Work on things you can do something about.)<br> <br> Our problems fall in three areas: Direct Control (problems involving our own behavior), Indirect Control (problems involving other people's behavior), or No Control (problems we can do nothing about). Direct Control problems are solved through the private victories of Habits 1, 2 and 3. Indirect Control problems are solved through methods of influence, the public victories of Habits 4,5, and 6.<br> <br> &quot;proactive&quot; means taking responsibility for everything in life, rather than blaming other people and circumstances for obstacles or problems. Initiative, and taking action will then follow.<br> <br> The proactive approach to a mistake is to acknowledge it instantly, correct and learn from it. Success is the far side of failure.<br>For some people, the glass is always half-empty.<span></span><span><br>Focus our efforts and attention on the long-term and to think in terms of the long-term consequences of our actions.</span> <br> Sagamore