Stoicism for a Better Life – Weekly exercise (July 18, 2021)

Hello there,

Today’s quote comes from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations VIII 32:

“You must plan your life, one action at a time, and be content if each acquires its own end as best it can; and that it should acquire its end, no one at all can prevent you. ‘But some external obstacle will be in the way.’ None to prevent action with justice, temperance, and due reflection. ‘But possibly some other activity will be hindered.’ Still, by meeting the actual obstacle with resignation and good-temperedly altering your course to what is granted you, a new action is at once substituted, which will fit into the plan of which we are speaking.” 

In the corporate world, such an attitude is highly rewarded. When an employee demonstrates the capacity to remain even-keeled (in equanimity) despite changes in priorities, deadlines, objectives, definitions, etc., it is seen as a quality of a leader. These are the employees that typically get the advancements and for good reason. If you owned and operated your own company, would you rather leave an emotional loose cannonball in charge? Or someone in control of their emotions and capable of rational decision-making?

As simple as it is to answer the questions above, the next one will be difficult: Why don’t we reward these competencies in real life? We are quick to congratulate someone on a new promotion, new house, new car, new accomplishment. But when do we stop to recognize explicitly someone who was in equanimity in the face of challenges? This is a bad habit our society has taught us. So let us try and unteach this bad habit.

For this practical exercise, identify a problem you are having. Then write down your feeling about it. You heard me right…DON’T write about it in a rational way. Try and regurgitate the emotions you feel onto that piece of paper. Then, a day later go back to your notes and read through your emotions. You might just be surprised at how quickly you can cut through your own BS and make good decisions when you are in equanimity (as in emotionless in yot decision-making).

Keep at it you guys. Keep on pushing. We’re all in this together and I’m rooting for you (and me!).

Anderson Silver (Stoicism for a Better Life)