The Dichotomy of Control is a fundamental principle in Stoic philosophy. It teaches us to recognize what is within our control and what is not, allowing us to focus our energy on the things we can influence while accepting with equanimity the things we cannot. This worksheet will help you apply this powerful concept to various aspects of your life, reducing unnecessary suffering and increasing your effectiveness and peace of mind.

Print this worksheet or complete it digitally.

Part 1: Understanding the Dichotomy of Control

The Stoic philosopher Epictetus wrote: "Some things are within our power, while others are not. Within our power are opinion, motivation, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing; not within our power are our body, our property, reputation, office, and, in a word, whatever is not of our own doing."

The Three Categories of Control

Modern Stoic practitioners often divide things into three categories:

1. Things Completely Within Our Control

These include our judgments, values, decisions, attitudes, responses, and efforts.

Examples: How we interpret events, what we choose to focus on, how we respond to challenges, the values we live by, the effort we put into our work.

2. Things Partially Within Our Control

These are things we can influence but don't have complete control over.

Examples: Our health (we can exercise and eat well, but can't control all aspects), our relationships (we can be kind and communicative, but can't control others' responses), our career progress (we can develop skills and work hard, but can't control all opportunities or outcomes).

3. Things Completely Outside Our Control

These are external circumstances and events that we have no power to change.

Examples: The weather, natural disasters, other people's opinions and actions, past events, macroeconomic conditions, aging.

Reflection Questions

Part 2: Analyzing Current Concerns

Let's apply the Dichotomy of Control to your current concerns and challenges.

Current Concerns Inventory

List 5-10 things that are currently causing you stress, worry, or frustration:

Categorizing Your Concerns

Now, take each concern from your list and categorize it according to your level of control:

Things Completely Within My Control

Things Partially Within My Control

Things Completely Outside My Control

Reflection Questions

Part 3: Detailed Situation Analysis

Select one significant situation or challenge from your list for deeper analysis.

Elements of the Situation

Break down this situation into specific elements and categorize each one:

Element of the Situation Level of Control My Potential Influence

Stoic Response Planning

Part 4: Common Control Fallacies

We often fall into thinking traps that distort our perception of control. Recognizing these fallacies can help us apply the Dichotomy of Control more effectively.

Identify Your Control Fallacies

Check any fallacies that you recognize in your own thinking:

Part 5: Practicing Acceptance

Accepting what we cannot control is a crucial aspect of Stoic practice. This doesn't mean passive resignation but rather a clear-eyed recognition of reality that allows us to focus our energy productively.

Identifying What to Accept

List 3-5 significant things in your life that you need to accept as outside your control:

Acceptance Reflection

For each item you listed, answer these questions:

Acceptance Practices

Check the practices you will commit to for developing greater acceptance:

Part 6: Focusing on What You Can Control

The productive counterpart to acceptance is focusing your energy on what you can control or influence.

Areas of Influence

For each life domain, identify specific elements that are within your control:

Professional Life

Relationships

Health and Wellbeing

Personal Development

Prioritizing Your Influence

From all the areas you've identified above, select the 3-5 most important actions you can take that are within your control:

Part 7: Daily Dichotomy of Control Practice

Integrating the Dichotomy of Control into your daily life requires consistent practice. Here are tools to help you develop this habit.

Morning Reflection

Start each day by considering what is and isn't within your control:

Today, these things are within my control:

  • My judgments and interpretations of events
  • My responses to challenges
  • My actions and choices
  • My focus and attention
  • My effort and attitude

Today, these things are not within my control:

  • Other people's actions, opinions, or responses
  • External events and circumstances
  • Outcomes and results
  • The past
  • The weather and other natural phenomena

Evening Review

End each day by reviewing how you applied the Dichotomy of Control:

Dichotomy of Control Reminders

Create reminders to help you maintain awareness of the Dichotomy of Control throughout your day:

Part 8: Reflection and Integration

Remember that applying the Dichotomy of Control is a lifelong practice. You will sometimes struggle to maintain this perspective, especially in challenging situations. When you notice yourself focusing on the uncontrollable, gently redirect your attention to what you can control. With consistent practice, this Stoic principle can transform your experience of life, reducing unnecessary suffering and helping you live with greater effectiveness, purpose, and tranquility.

© Working for the Universe - Dichotomy of Control Worksheet