Podcast Summary
Living according to one's values in times of corruption: The Stoics, known for their commitment to virtue, stood out during corrupt times by staying true to their principles, inspiring us to do the same.
The ancient Stoics, such as Cato, Portia, Thracia, Agrippinus, Helvidius, and Epictetus, stood out during a time of corruption and complacency by living according to their own values and principles, even if it meant suffering and hardship. They were motivated by their love of virtue rather than fame, money, or validation. Their stories serve as an inspiring example for us to follow, but it's important to remember that the path to greatness through virtue is a challenging one. The Stoics were not just the famous philosophers, but also the lesser-known figures who remained true to their principles despite persecution. To learn more about these remarkable individuals, check out the book "Lives of the Stoics." Additionally, the power of audio books, like those available on Audible, lies in their ability to bring stories to life and engage the imagination.
Focus on small, consistent changes inspired by stoic philosophy: Start with small, achievable habits and take responsibility for our emotions to make remarkable improvements in our lives
To improve ourselves and create a better version of ourselves, we should focus on making small, consistent changes, as inspired by stoic philosophy. This means starting with small, achievable habits, such as reading a page a day or going for a walk, rather than making grand, unrealistic promises. Additionally, it's important to take responsibility for our own emotions and not let anxiety rule us. By starting small and building on our progress, we can make remarkable improvements in our lives. As Marcus Aurelius said, "You're responsible for your feelings. You're responsible for the worry that you're projecting at this thing. And it's not helping you. It's not making you better. It's not doing anything about the problem. You're just torturing yourself in anticipation of what might happen or might not happen." So, this new year, let's resist the destructive habits and start making small, atomic changes to become the best versions of ourselves.
Emphasizing the importance of routines for productivity and well-being: Ancient philosophers emphasized the value of routines for mastering life and prioritizing tasks. Developing and sticking to a routine can lead to improved productivity and overall well-being, despite initial discomfort.
Developing and sticking to a routine can help improve productivity and overall well-being, despite any initial anxiety or discomfort it may bring. The ancient philosophers Seneca and Epictetus emphasized the importance of design in life and being master of oneself. Routines provide structure and help prioritize important tasks, such as tackling creative projects first thing in the morning. Eisenhower's decision to quit smoking after a 40-year habit serves as an example of the power of self-discipline and the importance of freeing up precious resources, like time, from distractions. Building and adhering to a routine may require effort, but the benefits can lead to a more focused and fulfilling life.
Focus on what matters and eliminate waste: Surround yourself with positivity, embrace change, join a supportive community, and focus on essential tasks to improve yourself.
To improve yourself, focus on what matters and eliminate things that waste your time. Surround yourself with positive influences and embrace change rather than fearing it. The ancient philosophers Seneca and Epictetus emphasized the importance of self-control and association with like-minded individuals. By following their advice, you can become the average of the people you spend time with and make better habits. Remember, most of what we do is not essential, so focus on what you can control and adapt to change rather than fearing it. Joining a supportive community, like the daily stoic community, can help you on your journey to self-improvement.
Focus on essentials, say no to non-essentials: Saying no to non-essentials allows us to focus on what truly matters, and it's important to get back up when we stumble and continue our focus on essential goals.
Saying no to non-essential things allows us to focus on and excel at the essential ones. Every yes means a no to something else, and consciously choosing to say no to the unimportant gives us the opportunity to say a resounding yes to what truly matters. However, it's inevitable that we'll make mistakes and fall short. The ancient philosopher Marcus Aurelius, in his writings, emphasizes the importance of picking oneself up when we stumble and continuing to focus on our essential goals. In the words of Marcus, "What matters is that you get back up. What matters is that more often than not, you stick to it." This concept was further explored in the podcast "How I Built This," where entrepreneurs discuss their experiences in building successful companies. The key is to remain focused and persistent, even when faced with setbacks.