{"id":8813,"date":"2021-10-28T03:21:24","date_gmt":"2021-10-28T08:21:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.managementcenter.org\/?post_type=resources&p=8813"},"modified":"2025-07-14T21:28:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T21:28:11","slug":"using-sphere-control-build-resilience","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.managementcenter.org\/resources\/using-sphere-control-build-resilience\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Sphere of Control to Build Resilience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Burnout and frustration are common in nonprofit work. A lot of leaders we know often feel tasked with making the impossible possible, trying to do the most with the least. As changemakers and educators with big responsibilities, it\u2019s hard not to feel exhausted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sphere of control <\/em>can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Sphere of Control?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Outside
Illustration: Kiely Houston<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sphere of control is a concept that helps people focus their precious time and energy on the things they can control so they can make a greater impact where it matters most. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While sphere of control is commonly regarded as a productivity tool, we see it as a tool for building resilience at work. <\/strong>It\u2019s not just about getting things done; it\u2019s about recognizing your power. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This matters because seeing where we have choices and agency is key to our sense of well-being<\/a>. For managers specifically, creating space for others to exercise their voice, choice, and agency is part of a trauma-informed approach<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone can apply the sphere of control framework, but we\u2019ve found that it\u2019s particularly helpful for people with marginalized identities or who have less positional power in their organizations.

Below are four steps for using sphere of control to get unstuck<\/strong>, along with examples.

To get more tips and tools like this directly, sign up for our monthly newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sphere of Control: Four-Step Framework<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Take 3-4 minutes to think through the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Name the situation.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the situation that\u2019s causing your feelings of overwhelm, frustration, helplessness, stuckness, or anger?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Identify what\u2019s outside<\/em> your sphere of control.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Think about what you have no direct control over. This might include things in your political, social, organizational, or personal context, immovable project constraints (such as deadlines or budgets), and other people\u2019s attitudes, behaviors, or feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Identify what\u2019s inside<\/em> your sphere of control.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Think about what you can directly control. This can include your mindset or approach, proposals, and actions you can take. The things inside your sphere of control can range from the immediate and relatively small task, like \u201ctalk to my manager about the situation\u201d to a bigger or more dramatic change, like \u201cfind another job.\u201d Consider your full range of options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Do one thing within your control.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For many people, simply naming what\u2019s in their control is enough to feel a sense of power and agency and get out of the rut of helplessness. However, we recommend that you go one step further and take action on one thing you have control over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n