171: Agility Over Long-Term Roadmaps

Stoicisms and preferring autonomy and agility over fixed roadmaps

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Off Topic: Letting Go of Fear

Being purposeful in our life is what creates peace of mind. That translates into being intentional about what we do every day. A well-filled day brings blessed sleep, and a well-employed life brings a good death. 

According to Marcus Aurelius, the only threat to our lives is the harm caused to our character, meaning we should only fear our flaws. He encourages us to focus on our duty over material possessions and pleasures. Yet, anything worthwhile comes with negatives, such as painful exercise for fitness. When we stop obsessing over everything, we often find that things work out for the better. Motivation is a survival mechanism that can help us improve our lives, but the person least invested in a result often succeeds.

If scared of something, it may state that we lack knowledge or understanding. It's essential to comprehend the situation before jumping to conclusions. Fear can often respond to something different in our environment but can also be a warning sign of ignorance. At times, anxiety can lead to anger and cause harm to perceived threats. Change is a natural part of life; we must learn to accept it. We can grow and gain perspective at the edge of our comfort zone.

We must push our limits and step outside our comfort zone to expand our possibilities. Accepting our mortality helps us see life as a new beginning instead of an end. This mindset allows us to start whenever we want and move forward. Although it may seem daunting, understanding our limits is crucial for personal growth. The key to reducing stress is gaining knowledge and understanding ourselves. By pushing ourselves to the edge, we can gain valuable self-knowledge and reap the rewards of leaving our comfort zone.

[^]: Meditations

Unrelated: Cultivating Habits for Well-being

To become better people, we need to develop habits that foster growth. I try waking up early, exercising, and learning new things daily. Yet, I've found that avoiding complaints is the most effective habit for my well-being. Taking responsibility is crucial for embracing reality. Complaints are the opposite of taking responsibility, making us passive and victims of circumstance. By avoiding complaints, we can control our responses to situations and pursue happiness and equality.

Of course, avoiding complaints is easier said than done. I'm still working on this habit, but I've noticed that I'm becoming more honest and compassionate toward others by being aware of how often I complain. We can change the world's attitudes towards us by changing ourselves, leading to greater happiness. We need to acknowledge and accept any situation's reality, even if it is not in our favor or unclear. We cannot control or manipulate what is happening, so it is an opportunity to learn and develop. When we lack understanding of the outcomes, we can still respond with calmness and composure at that moment.

Not the situations that cause us distress but our interpretation of them. Due to our biases and limited perceptions, it is often difficult to interpret. This can be unfair to others involved and should be avoided. Epictetus once said, "Men are not disturbed by things, but by the views which they take of them." It can be tiring to be around someone who complains all the time. Seneca advises avoiding spending too much time with people who complain because they can disrupt your peace of mind. I acknowledge when others act out and avoid engaging in that behavior as much as possible. For example, I do them myself instead of asking someone why the dishes still need to be done.

[^]: Guide to the Good Life

Current Work: Agility Over Long-Term Roadmaps

If you're deliberate, you can influence your organization's leaders immensely. Still, you'll only get that time if you learn to remain in tight alignment at each step.

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