What's going on?
Having a process helps me from being overloaded
Just because I can't control outcomes does not mean that I can't choose the actions that are more likely to lead to the outcomes I want (or want to avoid). As a Stoic, I know that regardless of my choices, there are no guarantees that the results I am seeking will occur. In that case I just need to adjust my assumptions and try again. In planning my actions I use the OHDA loop to guide my actions.
OHDA stands for Observe, Hypothesize, Decide, and Act:
Observe: What is occurring in the world around me? I must actively work to keep my eyes, ears, and mind open and engaged.
Hypothesize: Why is this occurring? Who are the actors, obvious and hidden, behind what I observe, and what are their possible motivations? Play through scenarios in my mind.
Decide: What (if anything) should I do about what is occurring as it aligns to my goals and values? What are the alternatives?
Act: Implement my decision (or do nothing if that is my decision).
I repeat this loop continuously, with multiple loops running in parallel on different timeframes based on my needs and how busy my environment is. When I start to feel overwhelmed by the volume of information I am receiving, I actively work to simplify my environment (not close down my inputs) so that I can prioritize and process a smaller set of loops that are important to me.
Keeping the OHDA loop in the forefront of my mind means that I keep my focus on the present as opposed to allowing my mind to drift into the past or future.