For 18 months now, I have been learning to drive. Getting behind the wheel evoked a mix of excitement for the future and nervousness in the moment. However, I quickly realised that the steering wheel is my primary tool for navigating the road—much like how the Circle of Control is key to navigating my career. 

Directing Your Path 

The steering wheel in your car is the ultimate symbol of control. It’s the tool that allows you to choose your direction, adjust your path, and respond to changes in the road ahead. In your career, the Circle of Control works in a similar way. Just as you can use the steering wheel to guide your car down the road, you can use the Circle of Control to guide career decisions. You have control over the actions you take, the goals you set, and the skills you choose to develop. Focusing on what you can control—like your work ethic, attitude, and learning—helps you steer your career in the direction you want to go. 

Adjusting to the Road Ahead 

When you meet a bend in the road, you adjust the steering wheel to navigate smoothly. Similarly, when you face challenges or changes in your career, you adjust your actions and mindset within your Circle of Control to keep moving forward. We have all experienced how unpredictable the road can be, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, just as we adapted to new working patterns, remote setups, and shifts in our daily routines, we can continue to adapt to new challenges. By concentrating on what is within your control, you can navigate these changes just as you would adjust the steering wheel to stay on course. 

Avoiding Obstacles 

When an obstacle appears on the road, your hands on the steering wheel allow you to maneuver around it. In your career, my Circle of Control enables you to navigate around obstacles like rejections or unexpected challenges. Instead of focusing on the obstacle itself—something often beyond your control—use the “steering wheel” of your career to find a way around it, leveraging your skills, attitude, and actions to continue your journey. The resilience we built during the pandemic proves we can handle new obstacles as they arise. 

External Factors: Road and Weather Conditions 

Just as road conditions and weather are beyond your control when driving, certain factors in your career—like the economy, organisational changes, or other people’s decisions—are also outside your Circle of Control. While you cannot change the road or the weather, you can control how you respond to them. If the road is slippery, adjust the steering more carefully. Similarly, if your sector is facing tough times, tread carefully by upskilling or seeking stable opportunities. When driving in fog, focus on what you can see and control, like reducing speed and staying alert. In my career, during uncertain times, I focus on immediate, controllable actions like networking, enhancing my CV, or seeking advice from mentors. 

Putting Pen to Paper: Drawing Your Circle of Control 

One of the most empowering habits I have developed is to physically draw a circle on paper and write within it everything that is within my control. It never amazes me how much I can control, even when it seems like everything has gone wrong. By writing down the aspects of my career and life that I can influence—like my response to challenges, the skills I am developing, or the actions I am taking—I shift my focus away from what is beyond my reach and reclaim my sense of agency. In moments of uncertainty or stress, this simple exercise brings clarity. It serves as a powerful reminder that while I may not control external circumstances, I have full control over how I navigate them. 

Conclusion: Keep Your Hands on the Wheel 

Just as you would not let go of the steering wheel while driving, you should not lose focus on your Circle of Control in your career. The steering wheel gives you the power to navigate the road, and the Circle of Control gives you the power to navigate your professional life. By keeping my hands firmly on the wheel—focusing on what you can control—it ensures that you are always steering towards your goals, no matter what the road ahead may bring. We have already proven our ability to adapt and thrive in the face of unprecedented change. Now, as you continue your career journey, remember that the power to shape your future is in your hands.