At Rasiah Private, we often reflect on how much time, energy, and attention we have in a day—and how much of it we can afford to spend on the things that matter most. For many of us, life pulls us in so many directions that it becomes difficult to determine where to place our focus. But here’s a simple truth, inspired by Carl Richards’ insightful observations: not everything deserves your attention.

When faced with competing demands, a helpful framework is to ask two key questions:

1. Does it matter?

2. Can I control it?

As Richards points out, “Unless the answer is yes on both counts, I know I can stop thinking about it. Because if it doesn’t matter, then who cares, and if you can’t control it, then why worry about it?” This clarity can be liberating and help you focus your energy where it truly counts.

Letting Go of What Doesn’t Matter

By letting go of the uncontrollable and the insignificant, you free yourself from unnecessary stress and distractions. Here are a few examples:

• Worrying about whether your children get into a specific university.

• Regretting that extra $5 you could have saved at another grocery store.

• Stressing over the daily fluctuations of the stock market.

• Obsessing over the actions of an inconsiderate driver.

As Carl Richards highlights, “Not thinking about any of those things allows me to put more energy and attention into things that I can control and that do matter.” This shift creates room for intentionality and impact.

What Truly Deserves Your Focus?

Once you’ve cleared the mental clutter, you can redirect your attention to what aligns with your values and long-term goals. For example:

• Strengthening relationships with your children, regardless of their academic paths.

• Aligning your spending with the values that are most important to you.

• Staying disciplined in your financial strategy when the markets fluctuate.

• Cultivating patience and mindfulness in frustrating situations, such as traffic.

Living Intentionally

Choosing where to place your focus is one of the most powerful decisions you can make. It’s not about ignoring challenges or risks; rather, it’s about recognising what’s within your control and acting on it with clarity and purpose. As Richards encourages us to imagine, “What might happen if you quit worrying about things you have no control over and quit obsessing over things that don’t matter?”

At Rasiah Private, we guide our clients to focus on what matters most to them, ensuring their financial decisions align with their personal values and long-term aspirations. Together, we can create a financial plan that not only navigates the complexities of today’s world but also reflects what truly matters to you.

So, where will you place your focus?