Where will your focus be in 2017? When we worry about things we have no control over we become stressed and reactive. However, when we focus on the areas where we have control and can change, we become proactive and facilitate proactive change.

There’s an old Chinese proverb that says: “If you have a problem and you can control it, then you don’t have a problem. If you have a problem and you can’t control it, then you also don’t have a problem.”

Think about undertaking a simple exercise. Draw two circles, one within the other. In the outer circle, write down all the things which you have no control over, or you cannot change. Now in the inner circle, write down all the things that are within your control, or you do have the control to influence. Now consider…. Where are you spending most of your time when worrying and thinking….. in the inner circle or the outer circle? Which would be more productive?

Now, choose one issue in your inner circle – something you can control. Break this issue into parts and start problem solving and listing all the various options you have for resolution to this issue.

Go Wild – think of all the options that are within your arsenal to manage this issue.

Now consider the best options out of your brainstorming and write a goal for yourself. What is it that you want to achieve?

Michelle Bakjac is an experienced Organisational Consultant, Coach, Speaker and Facilitator. As Director of Bakjac Consulting, she is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and a member of Mental Toughness Partners and an MTQ48 accredited Mental Toughness practitioner. Michelle assists individuals and organisations to develop their Mental Toughness to improve performance, behaviour and wellbeing. You can find her at www.bakjacconsulting.com or michelle@bakjacconsulting.com