📖 Current Read; 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living — Ryan Holiday
Don’t Go Expecting Perfection
The Daily Stoic Meditation for Aug 1 outlines that perfection is entirely unattainable, and we shouldn’t strive for it.
Photo by Ana Shuda on Unsplash
“That cucumber is bitter, so toss it out! There are thorns on the path, then keep away! Enough said. Why ponder the existence of nuisance? Such thinking would make you a laughing-stock to the true student of Nature, just as a carpenter or cobbler would laugh if you pointed out the sawdust and chips on the floors of their shops. Yet while those shopkeepers have dustbins for disposal, Nature has no need of them.”
— MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 8.50
Perfection
What?
Perfection is a state of completeness, flawlessness, or supreme excellence.
Perfection is the absolute best of the best, with no flaws or issues.
Many people strive for perfection in the work they do: they are known as perfectionists.
However, as much as we can outline perfection and strive to achieve it, there are multiple serious risks associated with it, for perfection itself cannot ever be truly attained.
The Risks?
Theres many risks that come from striving for perfection in all that you do.
Risks such as:
- Lots of stress and anxiety
- Never publishing/sharing your work
- Headaches/migraines
- Lack of progress
- Feeling inadequate
The main risk stems from this clear idea: one cannot achieve perfection.
No matter how hard you try, you will not be perfect. Your work will not be perfect. There will always be some simple flaw.
And so, to strive for something you will not achieve is simply a waste of time and energy.
Progress
What?
Progress is the movement towards an enhanced, improved and better version of who you are.
You can progress in many different areas and fields!
Strive For Progress
It is evident that perfection is not something you will achieve, no matter how much effort you spare.
And so, it is much better to strive for progress, and this is at the heart of the stoic philosophy.
If you cannot achieve perfection, strive for progress.
Aim to continuously improve yourself day in day out. Aim to become 1% better than who you were yesterday!
Progress is always better than nothing.
Idea of the Week. 💭
The Good Life Is Anywhere
A short, stoic piece outlining how tranquility and peace is everywhere.
It is your responsibility to create and find it.
The Good Life Is Anywhere
The good life is anywhere.
Even amongst danger, darkness and hurt, the good life is present.
It is your responsibility to find it, see it and harness it.
The good life regards peace and tranquility.
It regards living well — eating well, feeling well, etc etc.
That good life is anywhere.
You can make it.
Choose Your Perspective
Recognising that peace, and the good life, is everywhere depends on perspective.
You need to chose between two perspectives, and this determines whether you will see darkness and danger, or peace and goodness.
Perspective 1 — this focuses on immense danger and negativity.
With perspective 1, you see only the negative side of things.
You’re a pessimist, and constantly focus on what may go wrong, or what already has gone wrong.
Perspective 2 — this focuses on recognising good things, and the way through obstacles.
With perspective 2, you are objective and rational.
You accept that there will be negativity, but you do not dwell on it.
Instead, you look to the greatness!
You look to the love, the positivity, the great opportunities, the good things.
The good life is anywhere.
Perspective 2 enables you to see that, recognise it and harness it.
Choose perspective 2 and find peace.
Quote of the Week. 🗣
Friedrich Nietzsche on amor fati — a love for fate.
“That one wants nothing to be different, not forward, not backwards, not in all eternity. Not merely bear what is necessary, still less conceal it….but love it.”
To end, here’s a question from me! ⚡️
How can you prioritise your health?
This may regard;
- Physical
- Emotional
- Mental
- Spiritual
Prioritise working on your health and improving so you can be the best version of yourself!
Thanks for reading!
Until next week,
Sam. 😆
