Circumstances are what deceive us–you must be discerning in them. We embrace evil before good. We desire the opposite of what
we once desired. Our prayers are at war with our prayers, our plans with our plans.”
-SENECA, MORAL LETTERS, 45.6
A woman says she wants to meet a nice guy and get married, yet she spends all her time around jerks. A man says that he wishes he
could find a great job, but he hasn’t actually bothered to do the looking.
Business executives try to pursue two different strategies at the same time-straddling it’s called–and they are shocked when they succeed at neither.Holiday, R., & Hanselman, S. (2016). The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living. Portfolio.
All of these people, just as is often true for us too, are deceived and divided. One hand is working against the other.
The Stoics say that that war is usually a result of our conflicting desires, our screwed-up judgments or biased thoughts.
Stop and ask: OK, what do I really want? What am I actually after here? If we asked this, we’d notice the contradictory and inconsistent wishes that we have. And then we’d stop working against ourselves.
Navigating the gap between our aspirations and immediate realities is a challenge many face. It often requires balancing long-term goals with short-term necessities, a delicate act that can feel frustrating when immediate demands pull us away from what we truly want to pursue. Here are several strategies that might help in managing this balance more effectively:
- Prioritize and Plan: Clearly define your long-term goals and break down the steps into manageable tasks. Use your resources wisely to support these goals.
- Leverage Your Current Situation: Find ways your current work or challenges can contribute to your long-term vision, whether through cash flow, learning, or networking.
- Effective Time Management: Dedicate specific times to focus on long-term goals, even if it’s in small increments.
- Financial Planning: Develop a budget and savings strategy that aligns with your long-term aspirations, focusing on cutting unnecessary expenses and increasing income wherever possible.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust your plans as needed. Stay open to unexpected opportunities that may arise.
- Seek Support and Guidance: Leverage mentors, networks, and partnerships to gain insights and open up new opportunities.
- Stoic Mindset: Focus on what you can control and maintain a calm, steady approach to both immediate challenges and long-term goals.
By focusing on these key strategies, you can better navigate the balance between dealing with the present and working towards your future aspirations.
My Daily Stoic: