Try to control only what you can.

Larry Janesky: Think Daily

Stoicism is kind of like “the Serenity prayer philosophy”.  “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Many people try to control the things they can’t control.  Some people try to control everything.  This only leads to frustration and wasting a lot of energy on futile efforts.  You can’t control other people for example.  The only thing you can do there is stay away from people who are trouble, and get with people who are inherently like the people you want to be with.  Still, there may be a surprise now and again.

Other people don’t try to control the things that ARE within their control.  This leads to helplessness and victimhood.

So trying to control everything, and not controlling anything are both strategies that lead to failure. 

The key is discerning what is within your control and what is not.  Then let go of what is NOT in your control, and control what is.

Even if it seems like nothing is in your control in the outside world, you should always control your inside world – your mindset, attitude, thoughts and actions. By controlling those things, you take control of your future, and shape it into something you want.

Think about your situation.  What is in your control and what is not?

Are you trying to control what you cannot?

Are you controlling what you can?

Keith Hart

Hey Larry, thanks for the acknowledgment! You always make my day when I read the messages you share with us on “Think Daily” and “Think Daily for Business” God Bless you and yours! ♥️

Bill Lindberg

Funny thing is, it’s hard enough to “contol” oneself let alone think you can “contol” others. Have a blessed rest of your week.

Austin

I love Dad jokes!
What do mermaids wash their fins with?

Tide

Jodi Fogarty

Over the years I have learned i can only control my attitudes and behaviors and the way I respond to outside forces. I can’t control people, places, things, situations, outcomes. I’m grateful I know that today. Thank You Larry!!

Doug Newhouse

What did the chicken say to the scrambled eggs? Crazy mixed up kids!

Spencer Bond

Larry – LOVE your daily emails. So much great content. Most of my jokes are bad. But this was my oldest daughter’s favorite:
Knock knock
Who’s there?
Duwan
Duwan who?
Do you wan go to the store and buy me some candy!

Alan Harrison

What’s good about a broken vacuum?
At least it doesn’t suck.

Patrick Fleckenstein

Well said! A great reminder to take ownership, own our side of the street, and take action.

Joe Levitch

what do you call 10 rabbits marching backwards?

A receding hairline

Michael Byrd

Why do Norwegian ships have barcodes on them?
So when they come into port, they can scandinavian.

Ben Bates

I would love to see Ryan speak at CN Live. I think he could provide a very good breakout for Owners/GM. I’ve listened to almost all his podcast episodes for the last 18 months, he’s a wonderful thinker. He has a way of making the subtle nuances of life that evade many of us (the way we act, causing good or bad leadership) appear clear and obvious.

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