There Are Things You Can’t Control

Summary

The author reflects on the struggle of focusing on controllable aspects of life, such as writing, amidst the distraction of uncontrollable external factors.

Abstract

The author shares a personal experience of a day spent stressing over uncontrollable circumstances and the unproductive impact it had. Despite the initial struggle, the author emphasizes the importance of concentrating on what can be controlled, such as dedicating time to write, even if it means setting aside other activities. The article concludes with a succinct piece of advice: to not stress over the uncontrollable and instead focus on actions within one's power, which in the author's case, led to the creation of the article itself. This narrative is part of "A Few Words," a Medium publication that features stories under 500 words, inviting other writers to contribute concise and meaningful content.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the futility of worrying about things beyond personal control, such as situations, circumstances, and the behavior of others.
Writing is presented as a therapeutic and productive activity that the author can control, involving various stages from research to editing.
Despite having a challenging day, the author prioritizes writing and views it as a necessary and beneficial practice.
The author believes in the value of focusing on personal actions, like writing, to overcome stress related to external factors.
The article suggests that even when time is limited, it is possible to produce meaningful work by concentrating on what one can control.

There Are Things You Can’t Control

source Stas Svechnikov Unsplash

Today I have been stressing over things that I can not control.

Today I have been unproductive. I have spent too much time worrying about the wrong things.

I try to write every day. When I say writing what I mean is getting words down on paper. The process of writing involves researching, thinking, deciding what to write about, reading Medium articles engaging with other writers and of course editing and rewriting.

When it is time to write. I just get stuff down on paper. I may put it aside and use part of it later. It may be something that I just need to get off my chest. It may be just rambling that is not suitable for publication. Sometimes it is a surprise and maybe I should publish it.

Today I have been having a difficult day. I have 45 minutes left for writing. Then I will have to leave for an appointment. I will have to carve out extra time in the evening for writing.

Today I have been stressing over things that I can not control. I can not control situation or circumstance. I can not control the behaviour of others.

What I can do is focus on those things I can control.

During a 24 hour period. I can find a few hours to get things down on paper. Sometimes it can be difficult but that is something I can control.

This evening I put aside everything else and just got a lot of words down on paper. Most of it was rubbish but I was able to pare things down and create this article.

What I have to say can be summarized in a few words.

Don’t stress over things that you can not control. Instead focus on what you can control.

There Are Things You Can’t Control

This story is published in a Few Words, Medium’s publication that only accepts stories under 500 words.

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