One of the biggest shifts for me was realising that consistency isn't about never failing. It's shortening the gap between falling off track and returning to what matters.
True at both the individual and collective level. I often see organizations that never dare start a project because they think it's too big from the outset, when a tiny first step would be enough to unlock the whole thing.
You’ve put together such a charming overview of habits from the perspectives of literature and philosophy! I’m curious—was there a reason you didn’t include any insights from psychology? There are so many fascinating findings from habit research.
I’ve noticed I can sometimes be too hard on myself when I fail or repeat a habit. I’m conscious of this, as I’m sure any other person who reads this would be to.
Just hope that we now realize there’s always another opportunity to be better.
One or two or three or four lapses doesn’t define you
The line about one tired exception becoming a precedent is the whole thing. I manage operations for a construction company, and the same sequence plays out regularly. A shortcut gets taken once under pressure; nobody objects because the pressure was real, and within a month, it is simply how the job is done.
What makes Epictetus useful here rather than merely quotable is that he refuses to grade you on your intentions. The fire does not care what you meant. It only counts what it was given.
One of the biggest shifts for me was realising that consistency isn't about never failing. It's shortening the gap between falling off track and returning to what matters.
I struggle with perfectionism so I do find that it gets in the way (of so much).
I really needed to get this message!
I only read your personal note at the beginning, but will get to the rest of this.
I was doing pretty good for a few days on this type of "goal setting" such as your goal of writing first, and then I started to let it slip.
Especially with this phone and all I can access with it, I find I keep frittering my time away IF I AM NOT conscious and intentional.
Thank you so much!🎉
awesome
Love this writing, so many convertibles at the Stoic value itself, even from different angle to the similar problem by different people.
True at both the individual and collective level. I often see organizations that never dare start a project because they think it's too big from the outset, when a tiny first step would be enough to unlock the whole thing.
Truly eloquent. Thank you. 🙏
Love this writing ✍️
You’ve put together such a charming overview of habits from the perspectives of literature and philosophy! I’m curious—was there a reason you didn’t include any insights from psychology? There are so many fascinating findings from habit research.
"The wish matters less than the repeated effort." This is a thing I am working through on a few fronts. Thank you for putting it into words.
Such an amazing read
Such an interesting and motivating read, with clear, effective advice.
Real life lessons in here
I’ve noticed I can sometimes be too hard on myself when I fail or repeat a habit. I’m conscious of this, as I’m sure any other person who reads this would be to.
Just hope that we now realize there’s always another opportunity to be better.
One or two or three or four lapses doesn’t define you
The line about one tired exception becoming a precedent is the whole thing. I manage operations for a construction company, and the same sequence plays out regularly. A shortcut gets taken once under pressure; nobody objects because the pressure was real, and within a month, it is simply how the job is done.
What makes Epictetus useful here rather than merely quotable is that he refuses to grade you on your intentions. The fire does not care what you meant. It only counts what it was given.