Four rules from the philosopher king for getting things done and getting through hard times.
Marcus believed this was the key to being productive and happy. “If you seek tranquillity,” he said, “do less.” Not nothing. Less. Do only what's truly important. That brings a double satisfaction, he said: you get to do fewer things, and you get to do those fewer things better. Remember this rule daily, and keep a reminder somewhere you'll often see it.
It's a strange paradox. The people who are most successful in life, who accomplish the most and dominate their professions, don't care that much about winning. They don't obsess over outcomes. As Marcus said, it's insane to tie your wellbeing to things outside your control. Success, mastery and sanity come from tying your wellbeing “to your own actions”. If you've put in your maximum effort, committed fully and made decisions with careful thought, that is a victory, whether the outcome is good or bad.
Marcus Aurelius practised holding the reins with his weaker hand, both as a literal exercise and as a symbol of embracing difficulty. At every little crossroads, a decision about how to do things and what things to do, he said to default to the option that challenges you most. Dive into the cooler water. Walk rather than drive. Read a book rather than scroll on your phone. Accept responsibility instead of hoping to go unnoticed. Turn it into a routine. As the saying goes, iron sharpens iron. Choosing the harder path builds you up, and it strengthens your willpower too.
Yes, a Stoic looks after their own affairs. Yes, a Stoic is brave. Yes, a Stoic carries the load, and willingly carries it for others when needed. But they also have to be able to ask for help, because sometimes that's the strongest and bravest thing to do.
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Don't be ashamed to need help. Like a soldier storming a wall, you have a mission to accomplish. And if you've been wounded and you need a comrade to pull you up? So what?
MARCUS AURELIUS
Whether you need a moment to yourself, a hand to hold, words of encouragement, a special favour, therapy, a fresh start or someone to rely on, don't be afraid to ask for it.
TRY THIS TODAY
Pick one of the four rules and live by it for a week. Next week, pick another.
Much of what I've learned about Stoicism comes from Ryan Holiday. Find more of his writing at dailystoic.com and ryanholiday.net.
While I have edited much of this content, there are some cases where I have taken Ryan Holiday's words directly. I've included them because I think they are powerful and will be helpful for you. They are also helpful for me, and I've put them here so I can learn and understand more myself.
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