Lessons on Being More Purposeful and Resilient

I’m not a morning person, and I don’t believe you need to be one to have a productive day. Instead, consider being purposeful.

The post I shared from Maria Popova at The Marginalian, The Stoic Recipe for Unassailable Sanity and Inner Peace, is about how Marcus Aurelius, the stoic Roman emperor and philosopher, began his day by reminding himself of his moral duties and human nature. He wrote in Meditations (also available from your public library?or as a?free ebook)…

“When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself: The people I deal with today will be meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous, and surly. They are like this because they can’t tell good from evil. But I have seen the beauty of good, and the ugliness of evil, and have recognized that the wrongdoer has a nature related to my own.”

This practice helped him cultivate a greater sense of gratitude, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity. He didn’t let external circumstances or behaviours of others affect his inner peace and happiness. He focused on what was within his control: his thoughts, emotions, and actions.

This is a powerful example to take in an apply to our own days, beginning with a similar intention. Ask yourself: “What’s the most important thing I want to achieve today? How does it align with my core values and purpose? What can I do to act with and demonstrate integrity, kindness, and generosity, for myself and to others? How can I deal with the unexpected challenges that may come up?”

Thinking about these questions and planning out possible answers can help us set clear and meaningful directions, preparing us from a mental and emotional perspective for the difficulties and distractions that will come up. And it’s helpful to remind ourselves that we can choose how to act and respond to any situation that arises, and though that we can learn and grow from it.

As I mentioned, starting early can create time. When you do it with purpose, isn’t about being perfect or overly optimistic. It’s about being realistic and intentional, recognizing your potential and responsibilities.

Being purposeful creates meaning, enabling you to make the most of your time and your life.