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

 

 

What Would It Be Like #44

When I think of success, I often think of something in the future; something up ahead; something just around the corner; something just over the next hill. Success is something a lot of people are chasing.

Many people believe that tomorrow will bring success. Their mantra is, “If I can only get through today, tomorrow will be better.” This focus on tomorrow reminds me of the closing words of author Margaret Mitchell in her book, Gone with the Wind. “After all, tomorrow is another day.”

Tomorrow is another day. But, in reality all we have is today. So, here are some thoughts that may help you live a life of success today.

What would it be like … if you went to work today and worked?
What would it be like … if you really enjoyed today?
What would it be like … if you smiled at everyone you meet today?

What would it be like … if you got up 20 minutes early today and thought about the things you have to be thankful for?
What would it be like … if you took a 30 minute walk after dinner and listened intently for unique sounds?
What would it be like … if you shook the hand of a service man or woman and thanked them for serving?

What would it be like … if you gave the homeless guy on the corner a couple of dollars and did not pass judgment on where he or she might spend it?
What would it be like … if you ignored the newspaper, television, your blackberry, and radio for twenty-four hours?
What would it be like … if you paid a genuine compliment to someone that wasn’t expecting it?

What would it be like… if you actually listen to someone’s argument when they disagreed with you?
What would it be like … if you did a good deed for someone and expected nothing in return?
What would it be like … if you thought of your actions in relation to eternity instead of just for today?

What would it be like … if you expressed more happiness and less regret?
What would it be like … if you did something just for the fun of it and for no other reason?
What would it be like … if you told someone that you truly appreciated them?

What would it be like … if you picked up the check for a senior couple at the next restaurant you dine and they never knew you were their benefactor?
What would it be like … if you said, “Thank You,” “My Pleasure”, “How can I help?”, “Can I get the door for you?
What would it be like … if you visited a nursing home and spent some time with a complete stranger who has no one to visit them?

What would it be like … if you read a good book and then pass it on to an acquaintance you think would enjoy it?
What would it be like … to spend twice the amount of time eating your next meal and enjoy the flavor of the food?
What would it be like … to allow someone else to have a “bad” day?

What would it be like … if you asked someone to tell you how they got into their career and then let them proudly tell you about their life?
What would it be like … if you quit swallowing the poison of bitterness and asked forgiveness of someone who had done you wrong?
What would it be like … if you went to several garage sales and just enjoyed capitalism at is best?

What would it be like … if you could be just you and be ok with that?
What would it be like … if you forgot some of the things you are suppose to forget?
What would it be like … if you did all you can do and quit worrying about what you can not do?

What would it be like … if at the end of each day, you could honestly say, “I did my best?”
What would it be like … if today you told someone, “I am proud of you?”
What would it be like … if you made lemonade out of the lemons handed you?

What would it be like … if, after eating at the Cracker Barrel restaurant you sit on their front porch and rock in a rocking chair for 25 minutes while your meal digests?
What would it be like … if you see the glass half full and pour in more water?
What would it be like … if you contributed to the solution and not the problem?

What would it be like … if everyone was like you?

HOG THOUGHT: Because tomorrow never comes, you may want to heed the advice of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “Light tomorrow with today.” Why don’t you do something today to brighten someone else’s tomorrow?

HOG QUOTE: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” —Proverbs 27:1

HOG ACTION: Live today. Sing the song of success that resides within.