Focus on what's in your control [image]
I learned this sentiment from Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning," and it's changed the way I live my life. I highly recommend that book (more than I would recommend my own book lol).
A bit more of Chapter 4 from my own book that I wanted to share:
"In one of my favourite books, Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl wrote, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Despite enduring three years in four concentration camps, Frankl focused on what he could control—his mind and attitude—and refused to let external circumstances break him down.
I remember walking through Dachau, the first and longest operating concentration camp in Germany, during my high school Europe trip. This site witnessed the deaths of over 40,000 prisoners between 1933 and 1945, revealing the horrendous depths of evil acts that humans are capable of inflicting on one another.
Not long after this trip, I read Man’s Search for Meaning and gained insight into the profound strength of the human psyche when one consciously directs their focus toward what lies within their control. Although, needless to say, I’ve never been in any situation as dire as what I’ve read about or seen, this notion of focusing on what’s in my control has proven to be valuable when facing any challenge or obstacle.
[...]
In the grand scheme of things, an individual’s happiness largely depends on their self-perception and their perspectives of the world. And our understanding of reality is limited to our five senses. Much remains unknown, and some aspects are beyond our comprehension. The ability to interpret life’s events in a manner that brings you inner peace is a remarkable superpower. By focusing on what you can control—your attitude, words, and actions—you hold the power to transform your world."
- 30 Lessons I Learned Before 30
(Hope this brought some encouragement to you!)
I learned this sentiment from Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning," and it's changed the way I live my life. I highly recommend that book (more than I would recommend my own book lol).
A bit more of Chapter 4 from my own book that I wanted to share:
"In one of my favourite books, Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl wrote, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Despite enduring three years in four concentration camps, Frankl focused on what he could control—his mind and attitude—and refused to let external circumstances break him down.
I remember walking through Dachau, the first and longest operating concentration camp in Germany, during my high school Europe trip. This site witnessed the deaths of over 40,000 prisoners between 1933 and 1945, revealing the horrendous depths of evil acts that humans are capable of inflicting on one another.
Not long after this trip, I read Man’s Search for Meaning and gained insight into the profound strength of the human psyche when one consciously directs their focus toward what lies within their control. Although, needless to say, I’ve never been in any situation as dire as what I’ve read about or seen, this notion of focusing on what’s in my control has proven to be valuable when facing any challenge or obstacle.
[...]
In the grand scheme of things, an individual’s happiness largely depends on their self-perception and their perspectives of the world. And our understanding of reality is limited to our five senses. Much remains unknown, and some aspects are beyond our comprehension. The ability to interpret life’s events in a manner that brings you inner peace is a remarkable superpower. By focusing on what you can control—your attitude, words, and actions—you hold the power to transform your world."
- 30 Lessons I Learned Before 30
(Hope this brought some encouragement to you!)