Help children, teenagers and adults direct their attention towards choices they can make with this clear ‘what I can control’ poster. It offers a practical emotional regulation and coping skills reminder for moments when worries about other people, the past or uncertain outcomes are taking up too much energy.
When someone is stuck worrying about another person’s behaviour, an upcoming event or an outcome they cannot guarantee, this printable control circle poster helps bring the conversation back to manageable next steps. Its central message is to focus energy on the areas within personal control and put less energy into the things that are not.
The upper section, ‘What I Can Control’, names seven areas: actions, words, boundaries, effort, time, growth and how someone looks after themselves. Short, accessible explanations encourage choices such as deciding how to communicate, planning time in meaningful ways, learning skills, saying no, asking for needs and protecting wellbeing.
The lower section, ‘What I Can’t Control’, covers other people’s choices, feelings and reactions, as well as the future, the past, unexpected events and the final outcome. It also makes the useful distinction that a person may influence some outcomes without being able to control them completely.
School counsellors, pastoral staff, social workers and therapists can use the poster as a visual prompt in one-to-one sessions, emotional wellbeing work or anxiety support. Parents and carers may also print it for home, especially for children, teens or adults who benefit from a concrete reminder to pause, identify what is controllable and choose where to place their energy.
