Sometimes The New Is The Old

The ideas, all six of them, seem like they were taken from today’s top-selling motivational books. They are simple. Associate only with people who uplift you, cease worrying about the uncontrollable, listen more than you speak and your reaction is what counts.  But these aren’t the words of John C. Maxwell, Ken Blanchard, Jim Rohn or Jon Gordon.

These gems of wisdom date back almost 2,000 years and are attributed to the great Greek philosopher, Epictetus, who began life with a handicap—he was born a slave. If you are looking for an example of someone who started at the bottom and became a success, look no further.

Epictetus died in A.D. 135 but his wisdom lives on in the writings of today’s self-help and motivational authors and speakers. Epictetus’ ideas and thoughts have been rewritten, combined, separated, and repackaged. But, no matter the spin, the Greek philosopher’s wisdom is true, timeless and universal.

Truth is truth.

• “The key is to keep company with only people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.”

• “There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.”

• “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”

• “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”

• “Difficulties are things that show a person what they are.”

• “The world turns aside to let any man pass who knows where he is going.”

A key to success is to do activities that add to your value.  Reading “The Art of Living by Epictetus,” is an activity that will add to your success. While book is only 113 pages long, it is filled with practical and realistic counsel: stay focused on your own business, see things for what they really are, focus on your main duty, avoid adopting other people’s negative views, happiness can only be found within and emulate worthy role models.

In the beginning of the book, Epictetus asks: “How do I live a happy, fulfilling life?” The answer is found in the last sentence of the book: “Give your best and always be kind.”

If you only read one book this month, consider, “The Art of Living by Epictetus,” a new interpretation by Sharon Lebell.

It might be the second best book you ever read.

Three Point Success Summary

SUCCESS THOUGHT: Successful people can tolerate almost anything, but not ignorance. People who arrive have spent time reading and they continue to read. They read and learn from the master of the past and they seek information and wisdom from today’s leaders via books, magazines, internet, CDs and seminars. Real knowledge is never dated. Sometimes the new is the old.

SUCCESS QUOTE: “One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things that are in themselves most excellent.” —Epictetus

SUCCESS ACTION: Commit to reading for 30 minutes every day to stay current in your field.

 

Check out my book on personal success, "Mentor In The Mirror" at www.mentorinthemirror.com