"The Grundl Leadership Institute researches and teaches high-quality distinctions so that your life becomes your best teacher." In my latest IGTV video on Boris Grundl's Instagram channel, I talked about the distinction between "sphere of influence vs. sphere of interest." Now I would like to share this experience with you in a blog post.
What are you complaining about?
As a teenager, I used to get so worked up about topics like politics and taxes. When I earned my first money, I studied my pay slip. And I couldn't believe how much tax and other deductions were taken from my income: income tax, church tax, solidarity surcharge... Unbelievable! At the time, I studied these topics intensively. I got upset about them and complained everywhere. I didn't agree with having to give up so much of my hard-earned money. However, I also realized that I had no influence on the situation. It was a fact: if I wanted to live in Germany, I had to pay taxes—church tax if I belonged to the church, not to mention the solidarity surcharge.
Nevertheless, the issue stayed with me. I had to share this injustice with the world and discussed it with others. Of course, they agreed with me and confirmed my feelings. When I think about it today, where was my sphere of influence on this issue? On this discourse? We actually put a lot of time and energy into these discussions, knowing full well that there was nothing we could do about it.
Where is my sphere of influence?
I used to be on that trip and stopped voting. My motto was: If I have to choose between the plague and cholera, I'd rather not vote at all! I got older and realized over time that there are definitely areas in my life that I can influence. It dawned on me: Maybe I should exercise this influence? Maybe it's my responsibility to exercise this influence? Maybe it's even my civic duty to vote?!
Fortunately, my girlfriend at the time (now my wife) set me straight: "Jochen, look. In some countries, people aren't allowed to vote at all. They have to accept certain circumstances and live under very adverse conditions. You, on the other hand, live in a country where you have the opportunity to have a say in a democracy." That hit home. I had to think about that. Since she said that, I've been voting again because I realize, "I have this influence!"
Nevertheless, I came across the topic of taxes again: "Why do we actually pay these taxes?" The answer was once again very clear. I live in a safe country. There is a police force, a fire department, educational institutions, and much more. I enjoyed a very good education, graduated from high school, and was able to go to college. All of this is possible because I pay taxes. What a realization!
Goodbye, area of interest!
So I started to explore this area of interest. And to exert my influence where I could. I put the rest aside. I can't change it anyway, so why should I invest my precious time and waste my energy on such issues? Instead, I could do something more meaningful—for example, read a good book, educate myself, deal with issues where I can responsibility —where I have influence.
I have been doing this very, very consistently for several years now. Just recently, there was another situation in which I clearly distanced myself from the topic of interest. We were sitting at dinner. The group talked a lot about world events and the economy, including China and what is happening there right now. I quickly realized that the discussion was focused on a topic of interest over which I have no influence whatsoever. So I interrupted the heated discussion and said the following to the questioning faces: "I understand very well that you want to talk about this topic. You are welcome to continue the discussion. But without me, because this is clearly an area of interest that I have no influence over and no desire to waste my valuable time on." Silence, incredulous looks!
It doesn't matter! For me, it was crystal clear. I want to focus primarily on my sphere of influence and spend less and less time thinking about areas outside my sphere of interest. Yes, there are situations where I do get involved in areas outside my sphere of interest and enjoy discussing such topics. But only when I really feel like it—knowing full well that it costs me energy.
In the hope that you have gained something from this, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this distinction and your experiences: Where do you find yourself repeatedly in your area of interest, and where can you expand your sphere of influence?
Yours, Jochen Hummel
P.S. If you want to delve deeper into the topic of communication, secure your place now for our seminar in March: Power through Language© – Information Processing
Image source: ©MichaelGaida Pixabay
