#Reading log
2020-11-15: Contains a good collection of philosophical thinking. But the chapters are random and don’t provide a solid framework. For a better structure see 📚 A Guide to the Good Life.
#The power of perception
Perception is the way you see and understand what occurs around you—and what you decide those events will mean. You will come across many obstacles in life. What matters most is not what these obstacles are, but how you see them, how you react to them. Where one person sees a crisis, another can see an opportunity. You can find opportunity in every disaster, and transform that negative situation into an education, a skill set, or a fortune. You can choose to see the good in a situation, ignore what disturbs or limits others, and focus on what can be controlled.
#Choose not to be harmed
You might not have wanted this particular thing to happen, but you alone decide how it will affect you. No one else has the right. Remember that the way you see things is something you have full control over. Situations, by themselves, cannot be good or bad.
#Steady your nerves
Nerve is a matter of defiance and control. Like: “I refuse to acknowledge that. I don’t agree to be intimidated. I resist the temptation to declare this a failure.” But nerve is also a matter of acceptance: “Well I guess it’s up to me then. I don’t have the luxury to be shaken by this. I’m too busy and too many people are counting on me.”
#Control your emotions
For any given situation, ask yourself this: Do I need to freak out about this? And when you really start thinking about it you will realize that the answer always is no. Freaking out never adds anything constructive. Or try framing it from Marcus Aurelius perspective: Does what happened keep you from acting with justice, generosity, self-control, sanity, prudence, honesty, humility, straightforwardness?No, it did not.
#Don’t let the negativity in
Don’t let the negativity in. Don’t let those emotions even get started. Say to yourself: No, thank you. I can’t afford to panic. This is a skill that needs to be cultivated. You should strive to get freedom from disturbance so you can focus on solving problems, rather than reacting to them. When you start to worry ask yourself: What am I choosing not to see right now? What important things am I missing because I choose worry over introspection? Always remind yourself: I am in control, not my emotions. I’m not going to get excited or upset.
#You have a choice about how you respond to any situation
You might not have wanted it to happen, but only you decide how it will affect you. Choose not to be harmed, and you haven’t been. No one else has the right to decide this for you. You decide what you’ll make of each and every situation. Your perception is something you have complete control over.
Situations, by themselves, cannot be bad. Your judgment creates the perception you get of a situation. You’re the one applying meaning to things and situations. And remember that it is you who decide which story to tell, or whether to tell one at all.
For any given situation, try to:
- Choose to see the good in a situation.
- Control your emotions.
- Steady your nerves.
- Place things in perspective.
- Revert to the present moment.
- Focus on what can be controlled.