First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. - Epictetus

I am in love with learning the philosophy of Stoicism and little by little I started to incorporate it into my daily life. Yesterday, I did plan to create a post but some unforeseen factors happened. Electricity was cut due to the scheduled maintenance and the internet ran amok. I was informed that the service got restored at around 2 or 3 in the afternoon and I am already in deep slumber.

Photo by Zlaťáky.cz on Unsplash

Going back to the topic of the art of who you want to be, have you thought of it thoroughly?

I have always thought about it lately and one of the things that spring up into my mind is to become a polished writer. Not a spammy one but someone serious about making meaningful content for other people. Am I good enough? No I am not for sure! 

How can I become a polished writer then?

The answer is simple but I always tend to be lax and that is to read more and practice writing daily. Make it a habit wherein I will make sure that there’s something that I was able to write that fits the standard that I have set for myself. 

I remember back then when I was working for my previous employer. We handle accounting, sales tax, lien, and bond filling. 

I was having a hard time with such rules and conditions when I started and most of my colleagues are also in the same boat as I am. However, I decided that I wanted to become an expert in the field.

It was a pioneer account thus when it was migrated here in the Philippines very little information are cascaded to everyone. Most of the knowledge that we had acquired is from our U.S. counterparts who were back then in the process of resignation. 

I read and inquired to them. Also, I took the liberty of researching the emails that they are sending trying to understand what the statutes of limitations are and when the time comes for a promotion I was able to secure a spot as I become a pillar of the process. I’d recall amending the SOP’s ( Standard Operating Procedures)  in line with the updates that we receive from time to time. Now imagine if I didn’t say to myself that I would be an expert on the said process, will I be on that spot? 

Why it is important to say it to yourself? 

Because more often than not we tend to believe and accept what people say to us. 

I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others. - Marcus Aurelius.

Ever wondered how many dreams are shattered because no one believed in them? Or maybe you had the fair share of such goals but since no one encouraged you to do so you drop the ball and give up midway. 

We are in the same situation my friend. Prior to reading and trying to understand it more often than not I look for validation from other people. The validation that I am doing good and praise of what I have done. 

For sure praises are good but what happens next?

By saying who you want to be to yourself, you are making a covenant to the highest being in your life second to God which is YOU. Though there are times wherein such words are a longshot, well will it be much better to start slowly to get where you want to?

As Stoics have mentioned in their books multiple times. We cannot control everything, but if it is within our realms of command we need to do whatever it takes for us to achieve it.