The Sword Dangles Over You

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

This to me is an external motivator. I’m not really all that motivated by external factors. Instead it’s more internal. I guess I could use this imaginary sword as an internal motivator. This idea of external and internal factors as motivators comes from the book Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. It’s a book that helped me better understand why I do things a certain way. I can use that as my own self-motivator. An imaginary sword will work for some but not necessarily others.

The Benefits Of Sobering Thoughts

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

Something awful that’s life altering can happen at any moment. This will put a lot of things into perspective. I have thought about this a lot while driving. Sort of. When I’m on the road I often think about what would happen if someone suddenly comes into my lane. How will I respond. Will I slam on my brakes, speed up, or switch lanes? I don’t think about that enough in life. If I did maybe I’d live a little differently.

You Don't Own That

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

I own my life and that’s it. I’ve been speaking a lot about work lately and rightfully so I need these stoics for some of the things I’m currently dealing with. Rethinking work as something I don’t own either is a comforting feeling. It means I can continue doing what I do best and let the chips fall where they’ll fall. That could mean success or it could mean less success. I have a lot of control over my career but so do a variety of others. I’ve been lucky. I’ve also run into some bad luck. I try to learn from each one and that’s the best I can do.

Daily Stoic(s)

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

Saturday - It’s Not On Them, It’s On You

I need to ask why I’m being more sensitive more. I do it. I sometimes forget. I don’t have a problem with calling out things that bother me. I often get frustrated about what I’m telling people. It can build up and that makes it tough to remember this stoic. I like the idea of it’s on me because I can control that more.

Sunday - You’re Going To Be Ok

I love the song A-Ok. I believe it to be very stoic.

Monday - Follows The Logos

Things happen for a reason. I’ve had to accept this recently. Only I didn’t accept it very well. For two days things weren’t going as planned. A day later everything shifted and things started working out. I made a fool of myself in the process because I railed against it. Maybe next time I need to learn to explore more acceptance instead of railing against something I don’t understand.

Tuesday - Pretend Today Is The End

Affairs in order. Appreciate the people close. No time for petty matters. These are good things for living. I’m working on the petty things. Figuring out what’s petty can be hard. I think there are some small things worth worrying about. Then again maybe I need to re-evaluate if they truly are.

Yesterday - Don’t Mind Me, I’m Only Dying Slow

Living like death is at our doorstep tends to make people think about what they’re doing. Gives purposes. I’ve accepted it and I’m willing to live life a little. These stoics don’t make it clear either. Different stoics can mean different things to people. I also find them contradictory. I’m probably overthinking it.

Today - The Philosopher As An Artisan Of Life And Death

It’s appropriate that this stoic is on Thanksgiving Day for me because I am thankful for stoicism. It’s helped me live a better life. It’s words each day help me stay centered and gives me something to practice.

The Pleasure Of Tuning Out The Negative

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

Turn things away that cause negative emotions. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately because I’m running into a lot of negative things at work. The stoic recommends turning away from them. Does that mean I look for another job. I feel like I’ll eventually fall into the same situation. Maybe I’m letting that fear that negative thought control me. I have done better at work reframing things and it helps for a little bit. It eventually works it’s way around though.