Whose Business Are You In? Exploring Byron Katie’s 3 Types of Business

As someone who supports clients in their healing and self-discovery journeys, I often bring up Byron Katie’s concept of “Three Types of Business.” It’s a simple yet profound way to untangle the mental knots that cause unnecessary stress. This idea has helped me, and I’ve seen it work wonders for clients looking to find more peace in their lives.

If you’ve never heard of this concept, let me break it down for you—and then we’ll explore how you can apply it to your life right away.

What Are the Three Types of Business?

According to Byron Katie, there are three types of business in life:

1. Your Business: What you can control—your thoughts, choices, and actions.

2. Other People’s Business: What others think, say, or do—completely out of your control.

3. God’s (or the Universe’s) Business: Anything beyond human control—weather, natural disasters, timing, or the mysteries of life.

Stress often arises when we’re mentally living in someone else’s business. For example, worrying about whether someone likes you or obsessing over why certain things haven’t happened yet pulls you out of your own lane and into a space you can’t control.

Why Does This Matter?

When you’re stuck in other people’s or God’s business, you’re giving your energy away to things you have no power over. This leads to frustration, anxiety, or even feeling stuck. When you focus on your business, you reclaim your power.

How to Apply This in Your Life

Here’s a quick process to start working with this concept:

1. Pause and Identify: When you’re feeling stressed, ask yourself, “Whose business am I in right now?” Be honest—are you worrying about what someone else might do or trying to control the uncontrollable?

2. Bring It Back to You: If you’ve wandered into someone else’s or God’s business, gently guide yourself back. Ask, “What’s my business in this situation? What’s within my power to think, say, or do?”

3. Practice Letting Go: For what’s out of your hands, practice releasing it. It doesn’t mean you don’t care—it means you trust the process and focus on what’s yours to manage.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say a client is worried about how their boss will react to a decision they’ve made. After discussing the situation, I might ask, “Whose business is that?” The boss’s reaction is entirely in their business. The client’s business is doing their best work, communicating clearly, and setting boundaries if needed. This simple shift can bring so much relief.

A Personal Reminder

I use this in my own life all the time. It’s easy to slip into worrying about how others will perceive me or whether life is unfolding “on time.” When I catch myself, I remember this concept and come back to center. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear how it shows up in your life—or how you’re applying it. Leave a comment or share your thoughts in my private Medicine Dream Healing Circle. Let’s explore what’s truly ours to carry—and let the rest go.