Simple Stoic wisdom for a more resilient you in 2024...

Do you want to start the year off with a more resilient mindset that allows you to achieve more than you did last year?

Try Stoicism.

There are countless books, ideologies, and methodologies out there that could help, but the straightforward simplicity of Stoic philosophy is one that I'll be investing more time in.

As an adjective, “stoic” describes someone who endures hardship without complaint, but in the philosophical sense, it means much more.

So if, like me, you’ve ever struggled with workplace conflicts or a sense that life somehow wasn’t going your way, here are three stoic quotes that could help set you on a different path in 2024.

1. “Our life is what our thoughts make it.”

Interpretation: Your day-to-day reality is shaped by how you think of your experiences.

Implication: This is a bit like seeing the glass half full instead of half empty. It’s about keeping a positive mindset, especially when things get tough. If you can focus on spotting what’s good in a situation, chances are you’ll take more enjoyment from your work and life in general.?

The project went wrong? You’ll know what to avoid next time.

The feedback wasn’t great? You learned something new about yourself.

Monday’s bring you down? You’ve got a gilt-edged opportunity for a ‘do-over’ every week!?

What’s more, you can apply this quote at any time, in any aspect of your life.

You control that internal perspective of yours and once you realise that and take control of it, you’re going to be ready for a huge amount of opportunity, innovation, and growth, both personally and professionally, in 2024.

2. “Reject your sense of injury, and the injury itself disappears.”

Interpretation: Let go of perceived wrongs and they’ll stop being a source of woe.

Implication: That grudge only lives for as long as you hold on to it. Better to let go of the feeling you were wronged and put all your energy into living life instead.?

Do this and you’ll notice you have more control over your feelings and more time to achieve your goals.?

And it’s going to be great for your relationships too. By not dwelling on past conflicts, or what they might have meant by that comment, you can build stronger, more productive connections that will benefit you and those around you this year.

3. “It’s silly to try to escape other people’s faults. They are inescapable. Just try to escape your own.”

Interpretation: Focus on self-improvement, rather than trying to change others.

Implication: Concentrating on your growth is the path to success in 2024. It's easy to get wrapped up in other people’s faults and weaknesses, but by working on your flaws – whether in your day job or as a parent or partner - you’re investing in the only thing you can truly control yourself.?

Besides, when you’re better at recognizing your imperfections, there’s a strong chance you’ll become a more patient and forgiving person to be around. That can only be good for harmony in the world!

So there you have three stoic quotes from the teachings of Marcus Aurelius that could help you gain a fresh perspective in the new year.?

Jot them down, refer to them every day this month, and whenever you sense a negative thought creeping up on you, play them back in your mind to help reaffirm your new sense of control.

Stick with them and in time they might just be the guidance you need for a more fulfilling year ahead.

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