In 2024, the world has never been filled with more noise, distraction and reasons to live in a perpetually overwhelmed state. Attention has become one of our greatest currencies, and it has become increasingly more difficult to block out the noise, minimise distractions and focus in on the work that actually matters.
Learning to stop worrying about the things that you can’t change and instead, focusing on what you can control, is what I refer to as productive progress.
Mastering productive progress is an artform. It isn’t just about moving forward; it’s about forging ahead with purpose and intention despite the onslaught of demands vying for our attention. It’s about transforming setbacks into stepping stones and distractions into opportunities for growth.
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I’ve seen firsthand how mastering the art of productive progress has transformed not only my own life, but also the lives of countless others – enabling women to take up more space, gain greater recognition for their work and become highly remunerated for their unique genius.
Here are 5 ways you can stop worrying about the things you can’t change, and instead focus on mastering the art of productive progress.
1. Become clear on your vision
The constant stream of news and headlines may make you feel as though every issue is your issue. Becoming clear on your vision, mission and purpose will support you in identifying what issues are relevant to you, and what issues are for others to solve. If we try to become everything to everyone, we will be stretched so thin that we won’t be able to make the impact that we truly desire. Understanding who you are, what matters to you and what you stand for, will enable you to identify what to focus on, and what to let go.
2. Create a consistent morning routine
When it feels as though you are constantly worrying about the things you cannot control, create predictability in the form of a morning routine. Every morning, wake up at the same time and follow the same set of predictable steps to start your day – whether it is practicing meditation, a workout or walk outside in nature, reading for 20 minutes or the way you make your morning coffee. Despite what obstacles or challenges you are met with throughout the rest of the day, you will be better prepared to handle them.
3. Challenge yourself daily
When you intentionally create challenges for yourself, your ability and level of resiliency to handle difficult or unexpected situations will increase. Whether it is taking a cold shower, a challenging workout or working on solving a small problem, these daily challenges can better prepare you to deal with periods of uncertainty.
4. Build your personal power and leadership skills
Instead of worrying about what you can’t control, shift your energy to focus on what you can control. If you were to step into the identity of being the CEO or Leading Lady of your life, how would you choose to handle this? What would you do? What would be your next move? Focus on building your personal power and expanding your leadership skills during times of uncertainty.
5. Practice mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help you turn your attention back to the present moment, re-centre your energy and reduce feelings of anxiety or overwhelm. Even just 10 or 20 minutes per day can help to create more ease and allow you to approach issues with greater calm and clarity.
The only thing that is every truly certain, is change. Learning to embrace change and focusing our energy on what we can control is what will enable us to create productive progress – even through the most uncertain of times.
Lara Nercessian is an human resources expert, keynote speaker and executive career and mindset mentor.
