It’s Friday again, these weeks are turning around quickly. As we progress into the Spring, I was thinking about what is truly important to me in life. A conversation with my Father, and a multitude of books, plus self development videos have taught me a few valuable things which I’ll do my best to summarise below:
If you look here closely there are traces of Stoicism, and other ancient philosophies scattered throughout my coarse words.
Even if you completely trust someone, it’s important to be able to keep some things to yourself. Being open is a great quality to have, don’t knock yourself if you overshare, but just remember not everyone needs to hear absolutely everything about you, and your thought processes.
If you seek to build something; a brand, business or lifestyle be prepared to take a bit of criticism along the way. More importantly learn how to take that criticism if it’s constructive, and who to ignore.
Your mental health is a top priority. No excuses. Even over your career. Solid mental wellbeing assists you with everything, including physical health, dietary habits, what you read, and consume. Do what you can to influence this.
You become stronger with your ability to realise you can achieve most things alone. Never be afraid to ask for help along the way, it’s not a weakness. Although don’t hold yourself back because you’re a lone wolf in whatever regard you take this matter.
You don’t need to be liked by everyone. I learned this a number of years back, and it’s massively improved my well-being. Cut out the constant people pleasing. That said, don’t be a dick. There’s enough of those people in the world. Most people are at war with themselves, so it’s not critical that everyone thinks you’re great.
Your life won’t go to plan. It’s inevitable, so don’t live in ideals, or believe other people’s versions of their perfect lives. It doesn’t exist. Be ready to adapt, and eventually with time overcome setbacks, or slip ups. We’re only human. I like to call this Pragmatic Optimism.
You can ultimately choose happiness, over sadness. It might seem difficult at first if you are facing hardships, or grief. Humour is a great way to invoke this. In the depths of military practice lies dark humour, understandable in the situations they face. Finding joy, shooting the shit, or a good deep conversation with a trusted friend, or family member usually does the trick for me. You don’t need to be ear to ear grin happy all the time, that’s unrealistic. But at least aim for finding joy, seek those around you or online who inspire joy - or find something that brings you peace, and comfort.
ICYMI
Learn more about the Stoic concept of controlling your inner dialogue, and what you truly influence.
Quotes for the weekend ahead
Living now
For we are mistaken when we look forward at death; the major portion of death has already passed. Whatever years be behind us are in death's hands.
— Seneca the younger (On Saving Time)
Having self control
No one entrusts a secret to a drunken man; but one will entrust a secret to a good man; therefore, the good man will not get drunk.
— Zeno of Citium (Epistulae morales ad Lucilium by Seneca)
On your mind
People are disturbed, not by things, but by the principles and notions which they form concerning things.
— Epictetus, The Enchiridion
Another milestone approaches
We’ve almost hit 250 subscribers to this list in a short space of time. I wanted to rally towards this number, with your help. If you’re reading this, and aren’t a free or paid subscribe - please consider doing so. It massively helps in helping me push forward to write more, and produce extra content.
Thank you comrades,
Even the harshest criticism can be framed towards constructive critique in the mind of a stoic. Trying to understand what emotional biases may be guiding their opinion can be helpful in your analysis.