In today’s chaotic world, it’s easy to lose our sense of purpose and direction. Between social pressures and mass media constantly demanding our attention, it’s no wonder we find it hard just to make it through the day sometimes.
The ancient philosophy of Stoicism offers timeless wisdom to help keep on track amidst all the chaos of daily life. It teaches us to discern what is within our control, enabling us to focus on what matters most in life. Whenever you’re feeling off track, take a step back and reflect on some of these Stoic insights below.
“The value of attentiveness varies in proportion to its object. You’re better off not giving the small things more time than they deserve”
Marcus Aurelius
Whatever is troubling you in the moment, odds are its importance will diminish over time. Keep this in mind and make a conscious effort to not let the small things run your life.
“That every event is the right one. Look closely and you’ll see. Not just the right one overall, but right. As if someone had weighed it out with scales. Keep looking closely like that, and embody it in your actions: goodness – what defines a good person. Keep to it in everything you do.”
Marcus Aurelius
Stoic wisdom reminds us that we are always in control of how we respond to the things that happen to us. Instead of viewing yourself as a victim of circumstance, see how you can turn it to you advantage. Instead of asking why did this happen to me?, ask yourself what can I learn from this?
“Choose not to be harmed and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed and you haven’t been.”
Marcus Aurelius
Remember that external events have no hold over you, only your mindset about them. And this you are always in control of.
“You need to avoid certain things in your train of thought: everything random, everything irrelevant. And certainly everything self-important or malicious.”
Marcus Aurelius
How can you expect to be in control of your life if you’re not even in control of your own thoughts? Make a habit of consciously directing your thoughts to what matters in life.
“Remember how long you’ve been putting this off, how many extensions the gods gave you… there is a limit to the time assigned to you, and if you don’t use it to free yourself it will be gone and will never return.”
Marcus Aurelius
Stop procrastinating on what’s important. Remind yourself of how little time you really have here, and start making the most of it every single day.
“The human condition is a good one, in that no one is unhappy except by his own fault.”
Seneca
Take charge of your emotional well-being by recognizing that whatever happens, your disposition and mindset – which you are always in control of – is what determines your happiness.
“No evil lacks a path of escape.”
Seneca
Seneca’s quote reminds us that even in the most dire circumstances, there is a way out. Tap into the human resiliency that lies in all of us and embrace a mindset that seeks solutions rather than excuses.
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