TOP 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN YOU'RE FEELING LOST
The Stoic Philosophers are my favorite philosophers and they have had a big impact on my life, as you can probably tell from my writings and podcast discussions.
The ancient Stoic Philosophers came from almost every imaginable background. One was a slave, another was an emperor. One was a water carrier, another a famous playwriter. Some were merchants, others were independently wealthy. Some were Senators and others were soldiers. What they all had in common was the Philosophy that I practice, Stoicism. Whether they were chafing under the shackles of slavery or leading the Roman army, they focused not on the external world but on what was solely in their own control: Their own thoughts, their own actions, their beliefs. Below are 5 Stoic Questions that you should ask yourself to direct steer your life path in the best possible direction. It's also important to note that I say the 'best possible' as I don't know your desires but whatever they are, these are great questions to ask yourself. Especially if you are in a dark place.
no.1: WHO DO YOU SPEND TIME WITH?
It's who we spend time with that influences who we become more than any other factor. Because the people you're around dictates what you do and what you do dictates who you become. The same goes for what you read, what you watch, what you think about. Your life comes to resemble its environment. So choose your surroundings wisely.
no.2: IS THIS IN MY CONTROL?
Our actions, our thoughts, our feelings - these are up to us. Other people, the weather external events - these are not. But... our responses to other people, the weather, external events are in our control. Making this distinction will make you happier, make you stronger and make you more successful if only because it concentrates your resources in the places where they matter.
no.3: WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
If you don't know what your ideal day looks like, how are you ever going to make decisions or plans for ensuring that you actually get to experience them on a regular basis? It's important to take an inventory of the most enjoyable and satisfying days of your life.
no.4: WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO YOU?
If you don't know what the most important thing is to you, how do you know if you're putting it first? How do you know if you're taking the right steps to get it? Know that and own it - as Michael Lewis writes, the problem is lying to yourself. You have to know and own whatever it is. Only then can you understand what matters and What doesn't.
no.5: IS THIS WHO I WANT TO BE?
You are what you do - so ask yourself whenever you're doing something: Is this reflective of the person I want to be? That I see myself to be? How we do anything is how we do everything. It is who we are. So ask this question about every action, thought, and word. Because it adds up in a way that no amount of self-image or belief ever will.