Treat obstacles as opportunities
Everyone runs into one obstacle or another at some point in life. We get stuck in traffic; a dream job doesn’t turn out as expected; technical difficulties at work; the flight gets canceled; a loved one passes. Hardships come in different shapes and forms in life, and they are inevitable.
In responding to these obstacles, we can take two distinct approaches. We can get bitter, hostile, and discouraged, telling anyone willing to listen to us how cruel life has been. “Why me? It is unfair!” “Why can’t I just catch a good break for once?”. Or, we can view obstacles as a chance to learn about endurance, patience, resilience, and perseverance.
⚡️Switch your focus to why the hardship is happening to you. What can you gain from it?
Just like any other Stoic, Marcus Aurelius knew that obstacles were opportunities in disguise. To him, challenges were his chance to achieve success and become a better person in the process.
In 175 A.D., Marcus Aurelius’ health declined rapidly, and almost everybody in the empire knew that the emperor’s reign was coming to an end. At this point, some disturbing news reached Aurelius. Avidius Cassius, the emperor’s best friend and most trusted general, had revolted and declared himself emperor. Instead of getting angry and disappointed, dur is eat in tole sinationed, ne periene reach and and imprenes. When Casis was caprured, Aurelius
Unpredictability and hardships are inevitable, so there is no point in fighting them or running away. Instead, it makes sense to practice a mindset of acceptance, courage, and inner peace.
“Then hath a man attained to the estate of perfection in his life and conversation, when he so spends every day, as if it were his last day.”
Marcus Aurelius
Whenever you encounter any obstacle in life, no matter how terrifying, do not flinch or get discouraged. Lean in to the problem and give it everything you have. Never forget that within each situation in life lies the element of its dissolution.
Be, as Marcus Aurelius says, like nature, as it works around every difficulty, every impediment, using it for its purposes.