How Reflecting on What You Can Control Can Improve Your Decision-Making and Reduce Stress
Life can often feel overwhelming, with countless challenges vying for our attention and energy.
According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is one of the most significant health challenges of our time.
Reflecting on what we can control at the end of each day is a powerful practice that helps us focus our energy where it matters most. Here’s how this simple habit can lead to better decision-making and reduced stress.
The Importance of Reflection
Taking time to reflect on our daily experiences is not just a beneficial habit; it’s a critical component of effective stress management. Research from Harvard Business School suggests that daily reflection improves job performance and decision-making abilities . By distinguishing between what we can control and what we cannot, we can better allocate our mental and emotional resources.
Our Evening Reflection Routine
Here’s how we practice reflecting on what we can control each evening:
- Think Back on Your Day: Each evening, we take a few minutes to review the day’s events. This helps us gain perspective on what happened and how we responded.
- Sort Challenges: We then identify which challenges were within our control and which weren’t. This step helps us focus on what we can influence and let go of what we cannot.
Benefits We’ve Experienced
By incorporating this practice into our routine, we’ve experienced several benefits:
- Better Decision-Making: We can focus our energy on what we can influence. This improves our ability to make thoughtful, effective decisions.
- Reduced Stress: We let go of worries about things beyond our control. This significantly reduces our stress levels and improves our overall well-being.
Why This Method Works
This method works because it encourages us to pause and gather our thoughts.
According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, regular reflection helps individuals make more deliberate and less impulsive decisions .
By focusing on what truly matters and acknowledging what we can’t change, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Books That Complement This Practice
To deepen our understanding and enhance our reflection practice, here are some books we highly recommend:
- “The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart Tolle: This book emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and letting go of what we can’t control.
- “The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living” by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman: A collection of daily reflections inspired by Stoic philosophy, helping readers focus on what they can control.
- “Mindfulness in Plain English” by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana: A practical guide to mindfulness and meditation, which can enhance our ability to reflect and stay present.
An App That Can Help
To support this practice, we use an app designed for personal growth and habit tracking. It provides daily prompts and reminders to reflect on our day and focus on what we can control.
👉 Download the app for Personal Growth and Habit tracking on Appstore
👉 Download the app for Personal Growth and Habit tracking on Google play
FAQ
Q: How long should I spend reflecting on my day each evening?
A: Just a few minutes each evening can make a significant difference. The key is consistency.
Q: Can this practice help with managing anxiety?
A: Yes, by focusing on what you can control and letting go of what you cannot, you can reduce anxiety and stress.
Q: Do I need any special tools for this practice?
A: No special tools are required. A simple notebook or a notes app on your phone works well. An app can provide structured guidance and reminders.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on what you can control is a powerful way to improve decision-making and reduce stress. By taking a few minutes each evening to review your day and sort out challenges, you can better focus your energy on what truly matters. Try this practice and see how it can positively impact your daily life.
