Be Concerned with What You Can Control

March 18, 2024

Be Concerned with what you can control!

A black background with a quote that says `` you weren 't rejected ; you were redirected . ''


ONE THOUGHT...

Focusing on What You Can Control to Increase Your Happiness


In both our personal and professional lives, the pursuit of happiness can feel like a never-ending journey. As educational leaders, this challenge is even greater as we strive to inspire and uplift those around us. However, the key to unlocking a deeper sense of happiness lies in understanding and embracing the power of focusing on what we can control.


The Illusion of Control


Life presents us with challenges, from unexpected changes in curriculum to shifts in educational policies, and even personal hurdles we encounter. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and disheartened by the unpredictability surrounding us. However, the first step towards happiness is recognizing the illusion of control we often cling to. As leaders, we must distinguish between what we can influence and what lies beyond our reach.


3 Tips for Focusing on What You Can Control


Identify Your Circle of Influence:
Begin by listing the aspects of your professional and personal life that you can directly impact. These include your teaching methods, how you interact with your colleagues and students, and the attitude you bring to your work. Focusing your energy on these aspects yields more meaningful and satisfying results.


Set Clear, Achievable Goals:
Break down your broader objectives into specific, manageable goals. Instead of aspiring to "improve school culture," aim to "implement a monthly team-building activity for staff." This approach not only makes your goals more attainable but also gives you a clear direction for your efforts.


Practice Gratitude and Mindfulness:
Regularly acknowledging what you're thankful for can shift your focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in your life. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or simply being present, can help you appreciate the current moment, reducing anxiety about the future and regrets over the past.


TWO QUOTES…

To further inspire you to focus on what you can control, consider these words of wisdom:


Stephen R. Covey: "I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions."


Epictetus: "We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them."


These quotes remind us that our power lies in our responses and decisions, not in the external events or circumstances that we often cannot change.


ONE QUESTION…

As you ponder the shift towards focusing on what you can control, ask yourself:


What are three things within my control that I can act upon today to make a positive impact on my happiness and that of those around me?


In closing, by concentrating on what we can control, we empower ourselves to make meaningful changes in our lives and in the lives of those around us. This approach not only increases our happiness but also sets a powerful example for our colleagues and students. Remember, happiness is not just a destination but a journey, and it starts with recognizing and acting upon the areas within our control.


Let's build the life you want together! We want you to be the best version of yourself! We are here to help! 

I need you to do three things today and every day: Be a Leader, Be a Learner, and Be kind.


share this

Related Articles

By Roy Bishop July 21, 2025
Hey Good People— Let me tell you what shook me awake last week. We were on vacation. A real one. Not a “half-working, still-checking-emails” kind of trip—but one where I stepped away for real. And as much as I wanted the rest, I wrestled with it. Would things fall apart while I was gone? Would I come back to a mess? Would people think I was slacking off? Those thoughts followed me right up until the moment I let them go. Because what I found in the stillness wasn’t weakness. It was wisdom. The Truth That Hit Me Hard I wasn’t falling behind. I was finally catching up—to myself, to my family, to what actually matters. Here’s What That Break Taught Me 1. Rest isn’t a reward—it’s required. We talk a lot about being driven. But when you’re always on, always solving, always showing up… you forget what clarity feels like. Rest gave me back creativity. Focus. Peace. It wasn’t time off. It was time on purpose. 2. Good leadership means you’re not the only one holding it all together. The fear of stepping away comes from the belief that everything relies on us. But true leadership? It’s building a team and culture that thrives whether you’re in the room or not. I didn’t just trust my team—I needed to trust them. And they showed me I could. 3. Moments > Minutes I didn’t track time. I tracked moments: Laughing with my kids. Listening to my wife. Sitting still—no agenda, no title, no hurry. And Then This Hit Me… I’ve been married almost 20 years. In less than 7, we’ll be empty nesters. And I sat with that. Really sat with it. Because for years, I’ve been building, grinding, leading. But those milestones reminded me—the most meaningful parts of life aren’t achievements… they’re moments. The kind that don’t show up on a resume. The kind that don’t trend. The kind you don’t get back. So Let Me Ask You… What are you rushing past right now? What are you chasing that might cost you more than it’s worth? And when you look back years from now—what do you want to remember: The meeting… or the moment? Leadership That Lasts Starts at Home This isn’t a message to work less. It’s a message to live more. To lead not just projects—but your presence. To stop confusing busyness with purpose. To start building a life that your loved ones are actually in, not just around. Try This: Take five minutes today. Write down: One person you’ve been too busy to fully see. One moment you keep saying “maybe later” to. One way you can be fully present this week. Now—do something about it. Final Word Your legacy isn’t built in the boardroom. It’s built at the dinner table. On the porch. In the quiet conversations when you’re fully there. Success means nothing if you miss what matters most. So take the break. Have the conversation. Be where your feet are. Until next time— Be a Leader. Be a Learner. Be Kind. —Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. is the founder of The Be Team—a movement rooted in the belief that leadership starts with mindset, not just metrics. Through coaching, training, and real-talk reflection, he helps leaders step up without burning out. Because titles fade—but presence and purpose leave a legacy.
By Roy Bishop May 4, 2025
Rest isn’t a break from leadership. It’s part of the many things that make it up. Recharge, realign, and reset. Tomorrow depends on what you give yourself today.  #jointhebeteam #SoulCheckSunday #TheBeTeam #RestToLead
By Roy Bishop May 3, 2025
Quiet Doesn’t Mean Weak 1 Truth · 2 Strategies · 1 Reflection Weekly Leadership Spark with Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. We live in a world that often rewards volume over value, noise over nuance. But leadership isn’t always about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about having the clarity to lead when no one’s watching and the courage to move even without applause. Quiet leadership isn’t a flaw. It’s a force. And once you learn to embrace that, you’ll stop shrinking and start standing in your strength. 1 Truth Quiet doesn’t mean weak. It means focused. It means grounded. It means leading with clarity, not noise. Some of the most powerful leaders don’t need a spotlight to make an impact—they lead from within, with quiet strength and confident purpose. 2 Strategies to Live It Out Reconnect with your Why. When you’re rooted in your purpose, you stop waiting for the “right” moment—you create it. Lead from within. You don’t need a title or a crowd to lead. Your daily habits, your energy, and your decisions define your leadership. 1 Reflection Question Where have you been shrinking, waiting, or hesitating to fully show up? Don’t wait for perfect. Show up today—as you are. That’s where growth begins. Bonus Action (Optional): Take 5 minutes. Write down 3 things you’ve been putting off because you didn’t feel ready. Choose one—and take the first step this week. Final Thoughts You don’t have to be loud to be powerful. You don’t have to be perfect to lead. You just have to show up with quiet strength and a willingness to grow. Until next time: Be a Leader. Be a Learner. Be Kind. Let’s keep leading together. — Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. Want more weekly leadership sparks like this? Join The Be Team today to continue to receive our weekly leadership sparks—quick, clear, and designed for busy leaders who want to grow with purpose. Who is Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr.? Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. is more than a leader—he’s a mentor, strategist, and visionary committed to helping others step into their full leadership potential. With a proven track record in education, leadership development, and systems transformation, Dr. Bishop empowers leaders to take imperfect action and lead from within. At the heart of his work is The Be Team—a movement that redefines leadership for every generation. Whether you’re a student, educator, executive, or emerging leader, The Be Team exists to help you grow from the inside out. Why The Be Team? Because leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about mindset, ownership, and courage. The Be Team is here to remind you: You already have what it takes. Now it’s time to lead like it.
More Posts
ALL ARTICLES

STAY UP TO DATE

the latest from the be team

Receive an alert anytime a new post drops

Contact Us

A white background with a few lines on it