Here and Now

There comes an inflection point in one's life where you must stop and think what really matters in life. What's important to him is less of an issue to her, so on and so forth. If the way this year has unfolded hasn't made you aware of that, I'm not sure anything will. Now, especially now, is the time to reinvent yourself. From the words of Epictetus, "how long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?" That hobby you always wanted to try? Go for it. That idea for a business, or any new idea you've had for that matter - now is the time to put pen to paper. Nike frames it so succinctly. "Just Do It." And it's that easy. That laundry? Just do it. From a menial everyday chore, bullshit errand, all the way to a leap of faith - just do it. It's so simple you often brush it off as trivial. People are hesitant to do things out of fear of failure. Failure is what makes us human. The obstacle is the way. The struggle - that is the way.

My boss told me something the other day that really resonated: "good judgment comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgment." We have been plagued by the ease of everyday life, which limits our ability to lend judgment on things. Few want to challenge dogma. Fewer want to ask the tough questions. Fewer still want to work towards solutions.

We have grown soft and weak, hooked on screens and poisonous food. How can you expect to command respect from those in your network: whether at home, at the office, or anywhere else you might find yourself, if you cannot even show respect to yourself? We are fiends for gratification. I must be happy in an instant! And you are promptly rewarded by that like or comment (or glorious silver banana). How long before that effect wears off? The feeling does not last in perpetuity. One must put their nose to the grindstone. Get to work and get it done. Eat right. Work your mind and body. Compound on all things in life. Shrug off that weight that's holding you back, that lingering feeling that you may not succeed. To fail is to experience your first attempt in learning. Over time, leverage your knowledge and the knowledge of your trusted advisors. You cannot do this alone. But it starts alone.

Look to see what you can do first for yourself and those close to you, then look to others. Civility is dying - if not dead already. Dignity. Integrity. Compassion. They are all following suit. No one cares about the trials and tribulations of others as long as they themselves are not enduring the hardships. We all too often fight and bicker for no explicit reason. So what someone disagrees with you? Take their answer in context and try to learn something from their perspective before getting upset. Explore sympatheia. Connection to our environment and everything in it is our true nature, and it has been largely neglected throughout the annals of history.

We need people of all walks of life to step into the void that is being created. The new decade of challenges will not be easy. As such, we need a new generation of strong leaders, and strength begins within. As Marcus Aurelius poignantly reminds us, "you have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this and you will find strength." Why should you let something out of your control infiltrate and mold your identity? If you, and you alone, infiltrate your identity first, nothing can stand in your way. Seneca writes "most powerful is he who has himself in his own power." Forging your mind to confront anything thrown at it will make you, and consequently those around you, stronger. Be the blazing fire that rages more powerful with every piece thrown into it.

Status, titles, notoriety - who needs these things? A solid belief matrix, deep personal relationships, a healthy mind and body, and financial independence are your tools in your journey to freedom, and in turn, I believe happiness. True happiness. The kind everyone means when they ask "what is happiness?" or "how do I find happiness?" Seek the truth and you shall reap. Maybe this is a naive message, or a cliche one, but I believe it needs to be said. I do not claim to be right or to have all of the answers, but these are some things I have come to know during this hectic time.

Esse Quam Videri