How does it happen? How does someone become great?
Is it genetics? Is it luck? Is it superhuman dedication and brilliance?
Too often we see impressive results—books on bestseller lists, people in peak physical condition, companies selling for millions and millions of dollars—and assume that the process that led to those results must have been equally extraordinary.
In fact, it often isn't. Success usually happens "action by action," as Marcus Aurelius said. On a recent episode of the Daily Stoic podcast, Bob Bowman—coach of 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and many other great swimmers—talked about the simple three-worded mantra that captures the essence of all those who succeed at the highest level:
"Do your work. What do you do when you've never felt better in your life when you come to practice? Do your work. What do you do if you feel terrible and you're not motivated? Do your work. If you're uncertain? Do your work. Just come in every day, do a little something, whatever that is. The incremental, consistent, mind-numbingly boring everyday deposits in your bank account are what makes the big changes later."
This is what the Stoics believe too. That the little things add up to make the big things. This is what Zeno meant when he said, "Well-being is realized by small steps but is truly no small thing." And what Seneca meant when he wrote, "each day, acquire something that will fortify you against poverty, against death, indeed against other misfortunes, as well and after you have run over many thoughts, select one to be thoroughly digested that day."
One gain per day. One step forward per day. It's not romantic. It's not exciting or extraordinary. It's just work. And over time it becomes transformative.
If you're ready to start your own transformation—one small step at a time—Ryan Holiday's new book Wisdom Takes Work is a practical guide to implementing these Stoic principles in your daily routine.
It's not about extraordinary efforts—it's about taking the ordinary actions that over time produce extraordinary results and wisdom.
No comments:
Post a Comment