Waiting on hold. Waiting for a plan review. Finding out that a favourite support worker is moving on.
If you’re an NDIS participant or a family carer, you already know there can be a lot of waiting and a lot of uncertainty. It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated sometimes.
One simple tool can help you steady yourself in those moments. It’s called the Control Circle. It comes from an old philosophical idea, but it works well in modern life, especially when a system feels beyond your control.
How the Control Circle works
Imagine drawing a circle on a piece of paper.
Inside the circle are the things you have real influence over.
Outside the circle are the things you can’t force to change, even if you try really hard.
The main idea is simple: we put our energy into what’s inside the circle.
Applying it to the NDIS
It’s easy to get stuck worrying about things outside your control. The problem is, it usually doesn’t change the situation. It just uses up your energy.
Outside your circle
These are typical examples:
- How long does it take to get through on the phone
- Who is assigned to review your plan
- Changes to the NDIS Price Guide
- Other people’s opinions about your disability or support needs
- Whether a provider has the capacity
Inside your circle
These are areas where your actions can make a difference:
- Your evidence: organising letters and reports from your OT, psychologist, GP, or allied health team
- Your voice: clearly describing your goals and what daily life looks like for you
- Your response: taking a breath, pausing, and choosing your next step when things get annoying
- Your team: choosing providers who listen, communicate clearly, and respect your preferences
- Your tracking: keeping notes of dates, calls, emails, and outcomes
Why this helps
When you stop fighting with the “outside” list, you often get energy back for the “inside” list.
That can mean:
- Feeling less drained
- Making clearer decisions
- Being a stronger advocate for your needs
- Staying more steady during delays and changes
It doesn’t completely remove the stress, but it can make it feel more manageable.
What you can do next
Next time you feel the NDIS stress is rising, try this:
- Pause for a moment.
- Ask yourself: “Is this inside my control circle?”
- If yes, choose one small action you can take (send an email, request evidence, write down your goals).
- If not, take a slow breath and focus on what you can influence today.
Small shifts like this can make a big difference over time.
How Journey In Action Support can help
We understand that NDIS stress is real, and we’re here to make things feel clearer and more supported. We can work with you on practical routines, building confidence, and day-to-day supports that align with your NDIS goals.
Feng is the founder of Journey In Action Support, an NDIS provider based in Sydney’s Lower North Shore. With a Certificate III in Individual Support, Feng supports participants across household tasks, personal care, transport, and community access — with a bilingual Mandarin and English service that reflects the needs of the local Chinese-Australian community.
