With every client I coach, whether it’s executive coaching, exam anxiety, performance psychology or even interview coaching, I present the three buckets of control. These are three spheres that are critical to understand so you can place your proper focus and energies in the right direction. And also so you don’t spin your wheels trying to control the uncontrollable. For example, if you focus on trying to change or control things that are actually out of your control, this is a recipe for frustration and failure. We’ve probably all heard the cute and clever definition of insanity: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, yet expecting different results. We have to know where to put our focus. We also have to know where not to put our focus. That’s what the three buckets of control show you. Understanding the three buckets of control allows you to work more efficiently and effectively and with less stress and frustration. 1387 words.