Feeling overwhelmed? Try this 30-second mental reset

COMING UP

The Three Buckets Framework: A simple method to focus on what really matters.

BEFORE WE START

Now before we get into this weeks newsletter, I wanted to remind you of my new ‘The Thrive Under Pressure Programme’ launching in May.

It's an exclusive 8-week live and virtual programme to master communication, negotiation, and decision-making.

It’s the distilled, no-fluff version of everything I’ve learned and taught to top performers in the most intense situations, even when lives are on the line.

Whether a corporate leader, an entrepreneurial business owner, or a growth-minded individual, this is an opportunity to elevate your skills and operate at the highest level, no matter how challenging the environment or circumstances.

It’s important to note that I don’t believe in mass enrolment.

I believe in a real connection.

That’s why I’m keeping this programme small and focused—so I can actually engage with the people who join, not just throw information at you and disappear.

Spots will be limited because I want to make sure you get the attention, insights, and real-world application you need.

If you’re serious about mastering high-stakes influence, negotiation, and decision-making, this is your chance.

Join the waitlist now to get early access (I'll be sharing more details in the coming weeks!)

JOIN WAITLIST

TIP OF THE WEEK

When uncertainty hits, your brain goes into overdrive - constantly searching for threats and solutions at the same time.

It’s draining and doesn’t help you perform.

I’ve seen smart, capable leaders struggle under pressure, not because they lacked skills, but because they couldn’t tell what truly mattered from what didn’t.

So, if you ever feel like you're drowning in problems you can't solve, then I have a solution for you.

There are only three buckets in life:

1) Things you can control2) Things you can influence3) Things you cannot control

That's it.

Most people spend 80% of their energy on the things they cannot control.

They worry about the economy, other people's opinions, or decisions that have already been made.

During kidnappings, I saw families drain themselves emotionally by fixating on questions like "Why did this happen to us?" or "What are the kidnappers thinking right now?"

These questions just create more suffering.

Instead, I'd guide them to focus on what they could control: their response, their decisions, and how they communicated with the kidnappers.

The results?

Clearer thinking, better decisions, and significantly less emotional drain.

Your ability to handle challenges depends on how you direct your focus across the three buckets.

So, the next time you're facing a situation that’s potentially outside of your control, try this 30-second exercise:

1) What can I directly control here? (My words, actions, responses)2) What can I influence? (Other people's understanding, some outcomes)3) What can't I control? (Most external events, others' choices)

Then put your energy ONLY into buckets 1 and 2.

1 QUESTION FOR YOU

Look closely at a current challenge.

How much mental energy are you giving to each bucket?

What if you focused more on what you can actually control?

WORTH CHECKING OUT

If you’d like to learn a little more about what we talked about today, I recommend this talk by Dr. Arman Taghizadeh.

He covers why we focus on things largely out of our control, and how that can reinforce the feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and discouragement.

Definitely worth your time 👇

Until next week,

Scott

P.S. If you enjoyed my Sunday Times bestseller, Order Out of Chaos, you’ll love my follow-up, Eye of The Storm, out May 8th, 2025.

It’s packed with new insights and practical tools to help you stay calm, act decisively, and thrive under pressure.

Whether you're facing challenges at home, managing workplace demands, or dealing with daily stresses, this book will help you build resilience, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.

I don’t know about you, but that seems like a great outcome for the year ahead!

Take advantage of early bird discounts and pre-order your copy here.

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