The Importance of Understanding What We Can Control

1min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Comments

Transcript

Episode notes

The core of our control lies in our thoughts, emotions, and opinions, rather than in external events. It is vital to differentiate between what we can change and what we cannot. For instance, we cannot control a flight delay due to weather, our height, our birth country, or another person's liking. Spending time trying to change these immovable aspects takes away from efforts toward things we can change. Understanding the difference and accepting what cannot be changed is crucial for personal growth and well-being.

It’s January 1st. It snuck up on you, didn’t it? You knew the year was wrapping up, you had resolutions you meant to make, a review you meant to do of the last twelve months, goals you intended to set, habits you were going to start in 2024…and then here it is already.

Or worse than procrastination, you may have already relapsed on your resolutions. You had a late one last night, and you’re already saying to yourself this morning, what’s one cup of coffee or one cigarette? (even though you were quitting). Does getting up early really matter that much?, you’re asking yourself. Do I have to workout every day? So you give yourself a mulligan and say that actually tomorrow is the real first day of the year.

This is what we humans have been doing and saying for thousands of years. Twenty centuries ago, Seneca said that it’s the one thing fools all have in common: they are always getting ready to start. We see this every year. It’s pretty funny actually. Starting in early December, we start talking about the Daily Stoic New Year New You Challenge.

In this first Daily Stoic Journal entry of the new year, Ryan revisits the most important Stoic task that there is: distinguishing between what is in our control and what isn't.

✉️ Sign up for the Daily Stoic email: https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail

🏛 Check out the Daily Stoic Store for Stoic inspired products, signed books, and more.

📱 Follow us: Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.