About this quote

Stop wasting your mental energy on things you cannot possibly control or verify. We often obsess over corporate politics at the highest levels or the grand secrets of the universe. Why look to the sky for answers when your daily life requires your full attention? What actually counts is how you handle your immediate duties today. Focus on the ground beneath your feet.

When to use it

• When your company's board of directors is arguing over a merger and you are paralyzed by the rumors. 'Stop stressing about the boardroom drama. That which is above us is nothing to us, so let's just focus on shipping this software update.'
• When a friend gets anxious about macroeconomic forecasts and global interest rates. 'You can't control the Federal Reserve. Remember that what is above us is nothing to us, so just focus on your own monthly budget.'
• When a classmate is terrified of the state board's secret grading algorithm. 'Don't waste time trying to outsmart the system. That which is above us is nothing to us, so let's just master this chemistry chapter.'