Professional Growth

Why You Should Focus on What You Can Control

By Marie ForleoPublished November 1, 2019Updated November 15, 20241 min read
Why You Should Focus on What You Can Control
Listen to this article
1 min read


So here’s the truth: Most of us know that so many things in our world are outside of our control, right? The way other people act, the way they behave, the way they think.

But if we want to be happy, if we want to be successful, if we want to be determined toward our dreams, then we need to make a clear distinction between that which we can control and that which we can’t.

If we’re wise, we put the lion’s share of our attention on that of which we can control—which are our thoughts, our feelings, our behavior, and our responses and reactions to what happens.

There’s a great quote that sums this up by Pastor Chuck Swindoll, and it goes like this: “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.”

Marie Forleo

Marie Forleo

Marie Forleo, author of New York Times bestseller, ‘Everything is Figureoutable’, is an American life coach, motivational speaker, author and web television host of Marie TV. Named as a thought leader for the next generation by Oprah, Marie is also the owner of Marie Forleo International, B-School and MarieTV.

More Articles Like This

Michael Strahan’s ‘Dream Big, Win Big’ Guide to Transforming Your Life
Professional Growth

Michael Strahan’s ‘Dream Big, Win Big’ Guide to Transforming Your Life

My Way: 15 Things That Inspire Me
Professional Growth

My Way: 15 Things That Inspire Me

3 Tips to Open Your Heart, Mind and Life to Change
Professional Growth

3 Tips to Open Your Heart, Mind and Life to Change

Is Perfectionism Bringing Down Your Business?
Professional Growth

Is Perfectionism Bringing Down Your Business?

Top of Mind: 5 Wise Reminders from Unexpected People and Places
Professional Growth

Top of Mind: 5 Wise Reminders from Unexpected People and Places

9 Ways to Deal with Change
Professional Growth

9 Ways to Deal with Change