Author

Daniel O'Brien

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a photo of Daniel O'Brien and his dog, Mikey.

Author
Daniel O’Brien

Building a healthier you

As I sit here and think about what in my life soaks up my energy, I think it’s worth considering what value do I get from giving my energy to these things?

Be it mental energy or physical, what am I getting in return and is it bringing positivity to my life or draining my soul. All too often we as humans spend an enormous amount of time on things that we have little or no control over, such as, trying to change someone else, worrying about things that are truly out of our control or spinning the wheels on things that just simply drain us.

In my past that was me, worrying, trying to change things in me or someone else to belong and ruminating on issues, concerns I simply had no control over. My study in Executive Coaching has led me to discover circles of control, which truly has supported me to focus my energy on where it matters.

For example, a big thing in my life happened on Nov 26 th 2025 in which I was informed by the company I had been with for over 25 years’ that my position was no longer needed and I was told the position was being made redundant. While this was a shock, through the understanding gained I quickly switched to what I could control and influence,

Your Responses
Choose how you react to challenges. Be it calm, curious, or defensive, that choice sets the tone for others. Be aware of what choice you make.
Your Actions
Your behaviour reflects your values. Being consistent builds trust and credibility.
Your Decisions
You may not control outcomes, but you can control the decisions you make that influences and shapes them.
Your Behaviour
Your behaviour is a daily reminder of your leadership. Be the example.

What You Can Control

First, I looked at what I can control instead of spiralling on “Oh I’m not needed or wanted; What did I do wrong; Is there something I could have done differently”.

This thought process and the way I spoke to myself truly made an enormous difference in my understanding of what was happening. I focused my energy on what I could control in the situation.

What You Can Influence

Next, I looked at what I can influence instead of spiralling on “Oh I’m not needed or wanted; What did I do wrong; Is there something I could have done differently”. I accepted this was simply just a part of life in a corporate setting and my number had come up. For this moment on it was about what I could do and make the best of the situation.

I understood I had 25 very good years with a wonderful company in the Medical Device sector, which was rewarding, challenging and successful. I had come out with my Advanced Manufacturing Technology degree and a Masters’ in Business Systems plus had a hand in many a successful product and technology launches. All of which are very proud achievements for me. I also thought throughout my career I have left a lasting legacy of people development right across the company and supported many people to reach their potential.

Your Relationships
Strong, authentic relationships expand your ability to inspire, influence, and mobilise others. Invest in others.
Your Communication
Clear intentional messaging and understanding builds alignment and trust. Seek clarity in communication.
Your Culture
The environment you create through your words, actions, and expectations shapes how people think, feel, and perform. Set the correct example and be consistent.
Become The Example
How you show up is often more powerful than what you say. You are always on display be the example.
External Factors
Market shifts, global events, everyday life, and industry trends are beyond your reach, but you can adapt, learn and push forward in a positive manner.
Unexpected Circumstances
Unexpected circumstances arise; your power is demonstrated in how you positively respond. Acceptance is key to unlocking what you can do.
Actions & Decisions of Others
You can’t control the actions, decisions, and choices of others’, however, you can influence them through demonstrating clarity, respect, and example.

What You Cannot Control

Lastly, I accepted what I cannot control and made the decision to focus my energy and influence on setting up my own business, hence, Pathway Coaching & Consulting was born. Again, a hugely proud moment for me, my family and those who have supported me throughout my career. My passion for people development, supporting people and teams to reach their potential has been realised.

Remember for those of you out there that hit challenging situations, where you focus your energy matters.

Consider the Circles of Control, Influence and Out of my control, be true to yourself and give yourself the time that matters which in turn will lead you to wonderful things as your energy will be focused on you, leading to better outcomes as you won’t be spinning on things you can’t control.

‘Be Authentic, Be Real, Be You.’

Remember for those of you out there that hit challenging situations, where you focus your energy matters.

Consider the Circles of Control, Influence and Out of my control, be true to yourself and give yourself the time that matters which in turn will lead you to wonderful things as your energy will be focused on you, leading to better outcomes as you won’t be spinning on things you can’t control. In order to support your ability to do this, try the Circle of Control, Influence and Out of my control shown here. As always I don’t claim it to be mine, but it does support you to focus on you, so I thought I would share.

I believe that credit lines with Stephen Covey and the “7 Habits of Highly Successful People”. Worth a read if you can spare the time, again, an investment in you.

If you need support reach out, I am always happy to chat.

Choice Matters” – prioritise you, and the things you can control.

Thanks

Daniel

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