Marcus Aurelius is definitely one of my favourite people of all time. Strangely, many of my favourite people, maybe even friends to some degree, don’t know I exist. They have been dust for longer than I have lived, yet it often feels like I can see their shadow almost everywhere I turn.
Having listened to Meditations more times than I can count, I often smile when I come across a quote by him. It happens very frequently. Almost every book on self improvement references or at least echoes his stoic views.
Although sometimes his views are a bit old-fashioned (understandably), so much of his writings is pure gold. It is amazing to me how so much wisdom can come from one man.
Was he great? Marcus didn’t think so. Was he born with some gift? Not according to him or those around him. He showed promise since his very early childhood, that is true, but the promise was effort, dedication and consistency.
Marcus had and built upon his discipline. He wrote every day. Every single day. Whether he wanted to or not, whether he felt inspired or not, writing and journaling was a daily routine that was as essential as breathing.
A great man is not born, he is crafted. Through discipline. Despite the resistance.
Today is day #10 of my 50 day challenge. Honestly this feels kinda dumb and I kinda want to abandon it. So much effort for seemingly no gain. So many reasons to just not bother. Which is exactly why it’s so crucial to keep going.