Stay Within Your Circle of Control

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Martin Seligman, a renowned psychologist, conducted research on a phenomenon called “learned helplessness.” In his study, a group of dogs was first placed in a single-compartment cage and given electric shocks. Later, the dogs were placed in a two-compartment cage and again subjected to shocks.

Dogs that had no prior experience with shocks in the single-compartment cage quickly moved to the other compartment to escape. However, dogs that had experienced shocks in the single-compartment cage did not attempt to escape in the two-compartment cage—they simply endured the shocks.

This experiment demonstrates that when an individual (or animal) feels they have no control over a situation, they may give up and stop trying to improve their circumstances, even when conditions change. This phenomenon can also apply to humans. Focusing too much on issues we cannot control—like currency rates, inflation, or political matters—can lead to learned helplessness. It makes us feel our efforts are futile, causing us to neglect actions within our circle of control.

The solution is to focus on things we can influence. This may include developing skills, improving professionally, or changing personal attitudes and behaviors. By doing so, we can have a positive impact on our lives and, ultimately, on our income.

Instead of focusing on things beyond your control, focus on what you can change—like your income, for example!