The Circle of Influence are things we can do something about.

Proactive people focus their efforts in the Circle of Influence. They work on the things they can do something about. The nature of their energy is positive, enlarging and magnifying, causing their Circle of Influence to increase.

Proactive people aren’t pushy. They’re smart, they’re value driven, they read reality, and they know what’s needed.

The Circle of Influence is filled with the be’s—I can be more patient, be wise, be loving. It’s the character focus.

At the very heart of our Circle of Influence is our ability to make and keep commitments and promises. The commitments to ourselves and to others, and our integrity to those commitments, is the essence and clearest manifestation of our proactivity. It is also the essence of our growth.

Source: Covey, Stephen R. (1989, 2004). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Free Press, pp. 83, 88, 89, 91-92.

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Habit 1: Be Proactive

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