Control Your Chaos by Controlling Your Points of Control

During a recent group call, it was briefly discussed how there are so many things in life, and going on around us, that we simply cannot control. If I am not careful, that reality can create a constant sense of chaos. But while I may not control the external environment, I can absolutely control myself, and that is where the true calming of my chaos begins.

In elite sports medicine (and in life) I’ve learned a hard truth: you cannot control everything. But you can control your points of control.

Early in my career, like many clinicians and entrepreneurs, my control point was time. Pack the schedule. See more patients. Say yes to everything. That season required hustle.

But as my responsibilities expanded, i.e. patients, activities in daily living, speaking, consulting, personal and professional relationships, I realized the game had changed. High performers don’t just manage time… they manage energy, focus, and decision load.

Now, whether I’m in the clinic, on stage, or handling daily life, I’m constantly asking myself:

“Is this the highest-value use of my energy right now?”

Not just time. Energy.

Because in elite performance medicine, I see this every day with my athletes. Talent isn’t usually the limiter. Poor energy allocation is. Overtraining. Emotional spikes. Decision fatigue. Misplaced focus.

The same applies to us as professionals.

There are things I simply don’t spend energy on anymore- unnecessary friction, avoidable frustration, tasks that don’t move the needle for my patients or my mission. That’s not avoidance. That’s disciplined control.

For me, controlling the chaos means:

• Protecting clinical focus when I’m with patients

• Protecting recovery so I can show up sharp

• Protecting key relationships that actually matter

• Delegating or eliminating what drains without return

Your control points will shift over time- and they should.

The question isn’t whether chaos exists. It always will.

The question is:

Are you controlling at the right point for this season of your life?

Blessings,

~ Doc

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