Life On A B-I7

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 27

There’s a long way and a short way to get to your goals. It’s a matter of asking yourself, what are my goals. Once you’ve identified them, you have to ask the next question which is, why do I want that goal. The answer to that question usually comes down to some very simple propositions. So simple in fact that it is really just a matter of choice. Those things you seek are often attained simply by making the right choice, not necessarily by following a complicated path.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 26

The definition of insanity is doing the wrong thing over and over again and expecting different results. That notion is not new. I don’t know how many times I have heard that said, or how many times I have found myself doing that very thing. Stop doing that. Take a different path instead.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 25

When you are faced with adversity or confusion, or you simply can’t make up your mind, take a walk. Breathe deeply while doing so. Your mind will benefit with clarity and new resolve.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 24

Navy SEALs say to one another: “Calm is contagious.” If you present calmness it will benefit you and those around you. This is done by example not by command. You want to be the person that tells everyone around you to take a deep breath, and demonstrate that.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 23

Focus on the here and now, focus on the details of what you need to be doing. Don’t look ahead, and by all means, don’t look ahead and dwell on the obstacles in your path or what could go wrong with your plan. Stay on task. Perform each step of your plan with intention and precision to the best of your ability. Don’t look at the big picture, just look at what is in front of you. (Okay, look at the big picture occasionally so you know you are still headed in the right direction.)

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 22

Correct your own faults and not the faults of others. Tempting fate by railing against others gains nothing, it only places more obstacles in your path.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 21

You needn’t constantly be on the offense. Playing defense can be a strategic move and even lead to a higher level of happiness. Those who go on the offensive their entire life often end up unhappy and falling short of their desired goal. Think of it as a sort of Tai Chi. Equal emphasis is given to both offensive and defensive strategies.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 20

Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. None of us were born with all the skills necessary to solve every problem. Our friends and family often hold the key to overcoming what is troubling us. If you need help, ask.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 19

The reason why we have two ears and one mouth is so we might listen more and talk less.

Talking doesn’t always help. It hurts more often than it helps. Only give feedback when it is requested, or you might just make matters worse. Listening allows us to hear solutions. Talking creates noise that stifles our ability to hear the solution.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 18

There are two sides to every problem. The side that perpetuates the problem and the side that allows us to break out and attack the problem differently. Think of them as two handles, one that doesn’t give us the leverage to lift and one that does. Some might think of this as perspective. It comes down to looking at the problem through new eyes and finding the solution that you have been overlooking.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 17

Do not forget that life is a struggle both with forces outside our bodies and with forces inside our bodies. The best way to survive and prosper is to remember the virtues that keep us on track and moving forward: discipline, fortitude, clearheadedness and sacrifice.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 16

Don’t focus on the obstacles in front of you. Focus on what you need to be doing to reach your goal. Focus on the details, the outcome will take care of itself. Not looking at the desired outcome will lead to greater success in the long run.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 15

Stop caring what other people think. Don’t let caring what other people think force you to adopt their views.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 14

Life is not cake. If you look at others and say “why not me,” you are playing a zero-sum game. When you look at the accomplishments of others with desire, you should say “I can do that too.”

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 13

If you find yourself in a hole, quit digging. Don’g make matters worse by fretting and complaining. Make them better by looking out of the hole and deciding what you need to do to climb your way out. Anger and negative emotion will only make matters worse.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 12

We don’t get to choose our parents but we do get to choose our mentors. This includes acquiring the wisdom of those that have come before us, it also includes choosing as associates those that can provide us examples of what we aspire to be.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 11

Choosing a path requires thought and commitment. That does not mean you abandon your path at the earliest sign of resistance. It does mean that you need to constantly evaluate the path you are on and shift if it is clear there is a better way.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 10

Self-pity accomplishes nothing. If you have a problem (we all do) you need to do something about it. To do or not to do, that is our choice.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 9

If things get tough, remember that you would not be here if it weren’t for a long line of ancestors that managed to tough-it-out.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 8

Be flexible. If you find the path to your desire blocked, find another path, if that is blocked, try yet another. There is always an opportunity, all we need to do is look for it.

There are as many paths as their are radii of a circle.

—Henry David Thoreau

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 7

Remember, the higher you are, the smaller things look. Before talking or engaging with others, imagine yourself flying high above and looking down not only at them, but everything around and concerning them. This will give you a perspective that will make you a better negotiator, person, friend.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 6

Always have a backup plan. When things go wrong, and they will, determine to make the best out of the situation.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 5

Our primary job on this earth is to be a good human. Look around you, if you see someone that is not being a good human, don’t be like him.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 4

Choose a form of work and go do it. But always ask yourself why you are doing it and where it will take you. If you don’t have a good answer for those, the work is not good.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 3

Do not leave your potential unfulfilled. The answer is work. Choose a form of work and go do it.