Recipe composure from Stoic philosopher

Stoic philosopher Epictetus once said: "Some things are subject to us, and others do not. The first group includes our opinions, impulses, desires, dislikes, reason; to the second - our body, material possessions, our reputation and social status - in short, everything that we can not control. If you have the right idea about what you actually do is subject to, and what is not, you will never have to depend on external forces and obstacles that you will never blame and condemn others, and all the actions you do on their own will. "

Of course, in words it is easier than in reality. Yet it is quite doable.

To learn how to share things on under our control and beyond the control you need to have motivated than external results and internal achievements.

For example, you're cooking summary for promotion. If your goal - to get a raise, you are setting yourself up for possible disappointment. After all, in the end result does not depend on you. You can to some extent influence him, but other factors are still beyond your control.

That is why the objectives must be internal. Following the teachings of the Stoics, we must in good faith to try and write the best resume, but mentally prepare serenely to accept any outcome. That will give us anxiety because of the events that are beyond our control? Or anger at the consequences of others' actions? We just do deprive ourselves of happiness and tranquility.

This does not mean that we should passively accept everything that happens. You need to make an effort, but to understand that not everything turns out the way we wanted them.

If something did not go according to your plan, gather strength and move on.

Want to win a sporting event? It is beyond your power. But in your power to go the extra mile and perform perfectly. Want the other half loved you? It is beyond your power. But there are many ways to show your love partner. You want to make some political party won the election? It is beyond your power. But you can be politically active, and you can vote.

If you learn to look at your goals, nothing can disturb your peace of mind. You will take with equanimity the vicissitudes of life, knowing that the actions of others are beyond you, and therefore, because they are not worth and exhaust itself.