Learning to differentiate between what is within our control and what is not helps prevent feelings of sadness, fear, and envy. Only our minds are entirely under our control. We should focus on our efforts, such as being lovable or writing well, rather than outcomes like being loved or becoming bestsellers, which are beyond our control. By concentrating on controllable aspects, we can maintain calm and happiness. Stoic teachings emphasize enjoying the process of life rather than fixating on results, promoting a healthier and more fulfilling existence.
We must learn to distinguish between things that are within our control and those that are not. The only thing entirely within our own control is our mind.
When it comes to things over which we do not have complete control, we do our best, but we do not fret over the overcome-which, if we have done our best, is no reflection on us.
We seek to be lovable, not to be loved, because the one is within our control whereas the other is not.
If we start concerning ourselves with things that are beyond our keep, we will become anxious and angry and miserable, and all on false grounds.
Collection
[
|
...
]