Ancient Wisdom to Overcome Modern Obstacles

Welcome to our new subscribers this week! 

This week, we’ll examine Marcus Aurelius’s wisdom. Marcus was the last of the five good emperors in Roman history, ruling from 161 to 180 CE. Marcus did not receive his position through progeny; he was selected to lead as a child based on his character and the potential he showed. Marcus was, first and foremost, a philosopher, not an emperor. He considered philosophy his first love and spent his time as emperor perfecting his practice of Stoic philosophy. Through his wisdom, we can learn a great deal, including how to respond to crises, view situations objectively, and use the resources at our disposal rather than lament what we would like to have. 

Judgment impacts mindset

Marcus learned through Stoic philosophy that our judgment of external events dictates how we view and respond to them. He believed that judging an event as good or bad would likely make it so. Instead of focusing solely on the event or crisis we are faced with, we should look to see how the event or crisis will dictate our response. 

This method allows us to view external events as events. Our responses can turn any crisis into a favorable situation based on how we react and choose to overcome it. For example, let’s say you are planning a project launch, and external events force your company to reallocate the budget, essentially postponing your planned initiative. You could easily respond with anger and frustration, believing the company does not value your work and the impact it will have. Instead of this response, you could use the delay to improve your product, enhance your communication, and deliver a more effective execution plan. 

View Problems Objectively

Using the above advice to view problems objectively, we can learn to view our problems as they are. We should not catastrophize our challenges. Instead of saying that this delay is terrible and that we will lose precious time to make an impact, you should say that my initial project was delayed, and now I have more time to prepare for a successful launch. There is no need to add opinions to our problems. Opinions will only drive us further from the objective view of the problem. Marcus reminded himself that we always have the power not to have an opinion. This can help you view problems with less emotion and focus on overcoming them effectively. 

Focus on Gratitude

We all want more headcount, budget, resources, and opportunities to make an impact. Focusing on what we do not have diminishes our gratitude for what we have. As a leader, you must concentrate on your available resources to overcome the current challenges. The available resources are the tools you have to make your goals happen. Remembering this will allow you to focus your effort and resources best to get the job done. 

Reflection

Marcus Aurelius and his views derived from Stoic philosophy can help us judge problems objectively to develop a sound mindset focused on achieving goals rather than complaining. His guidance also helps us focus on what we have to accomplish our tasks. When faced with problems as a leader, you can ask yourself these questions to help guide your response:

1. How can I use this obstacle to impact my work positively?

2. What is the objective view of my problem?

3. How can I use my current resources to respond to this problem?

These questions will help you focus on the aspects of your work that are within your control. You will be able to respond to problems better to achieve your goals. I’d recommend the two books below to learn more about Marcus and how he implemented Stoic philosophy as the Emperor of Rome. 

1. How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius by Donald Robertson.

2. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. I’d recommend the Gregory Hays translation linked here. 

I’m looking forward to next week, where we’ll discuss Alexander the Great and the lessons we can learn from one of the greatest conquerors in the ancient world. 

See you next week!

Rick