Category: Cal Newport

When Life Gets Hard: 12 Stoic Lessons To Change Your Life Before 2024

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Life is a rollercoaster of ups and downs, and sometimes it can feel overwhelmingly difficult. During such times, the ancient philosophy of Stoicism can offer invaluable lessons to help us navigate life’s challenges. As we approach 2024, here are 12 Stoic lessons that can change your life for the better.

1. Accept What You Cannot Control

Lesson:

The Stoics teach us to focus only on what we can control—our actions and reactions—and to accept what we cannot control.

Application:

When faced with adversity, remind yourself that worrying about uncontrollable factors is futile. Focus on your response instead.

2. Live According to Nature

Lesson:

Stoicism advises us to live in harmony with nature, which includes understanding our own nature as rational beings.

Application:

Make decisions that align with your true self and the world around you. Don’t fight against the natural order of things.

3. The Obstacle is The Way

Lesson:

Challenges are not hindrances; they are opportunities for growth.

Application:

When faced with an obstacle, don’t shy away. Tackle it head-on as an opportunity to learn and grow.

4. Practice Negative Visualization

Lesson:

Imagine the worst-case scenarios to appreciate what you have and prepare for challenges.

Application:

Regularly take a few moments to consider the worst that could happen and how you would cope. This prepares you mentally for any outcome.

5. Virtue is The Highest Good

Lesson:

According to Stoicism, virtue is the only true good and vice the only true evil.

Application:

Prioritize ethical actions and moral integrity above all else.

6. Be Present

Lesson:

The present moment is all we truly have.

Application:

Practice mindfulness to focus on the here and now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

7. Don’t Be a Slave to Your Desires

Lesson:

Freedom comes from mastering your desires, not fulfilling them.

Application:

Practice self-control and don’t let short-term desires derail your long-term goals.

8. Take Responsibility

Lesson:

You are the author of your own life.

Application:

Own your actions and their consequences, good or bad.

9. Practice Gratitude

Lesson:

Being thankful for what you have brings contentment.

Application:

Regularly list things you are grateful for to shift your focus from what you lack to what you have.

10. Avoid The Opinion of The Crowd

Lesson:

Public opinion is fickle and not a reliable measure of worth.

Application:

Value your own judgment over popular opinion.

11. Death is Not to Be Feared

Lesson:

Death is a natural part of life.

Application:

Live each day as if it could be your last, focusing on meaningful activities.

12. Memento Mori

Lesson:

Remember that you will die.

Application:

This Stoic practice serves as a reminder to live a virtuous life.

Conclusion

As we look forward to 2024, these Stoic lessons can serve as a guide to living a more fulfilling and resilient life. When life gets hard, remember these teachings and apply them to your daily life. Your future self will thank you.

Recharge Your Routine: Viewing Each Day as a Battery

Loosely based on

Analogue

The analogy of your energy being like a battery is a way to conceptualize how you expend and recharge your energy throughout the day. Just like a battery, you start the day with a certain amount of energy, and as you go through your tasks, social interactions, and other activities, you “drain” this energy. Here’s a breakdown:

Charging Phase (Morning)

  • Full Charge: You wake up after a good night’s sleep, and your “battery” is at or near 100%.
  • Morning Routine: Activities like showering, breakfast, and light exercise can either maintain your energy or give you a slight boost.

Active Phase (Daytime)

  • High-Performance Tasks: These are the tasks that require the most energy. It’s best to do them when your battery is still relatively full.
  • Social Interactions: Conversations, meetings, and social activities also consume energy, some more than others.
  • Routine Tasks: These are less draining but still consume some energy.

Draining Phase (Late Afternoon/Evening)

  • Energy Dip: Most people experience a natural dip in energy in the afternoon.
  • Low-Performance Tasks: This is a good time for less critical tasks that don’t require much energy.

Recharging Phase (Night)

  • Wind-Down: Activities like reading, taking a warm bath, or meditating can help you transition into a restful state.
  • Sleep: This is when your “battery” recharges for the next day.

What could help?

  • don’t context switch between tasks
  • focus on 1 thing at a time, take a break, focus on 1 new thing
  • in work this could be plan your day
  • be aware of your email inbox and slack absorbing your day

Time Blocking

My take aways

  1. Plan every minute by blocking off time for all activities to optimize your day.
  2. Reduce context switching by scheduling related tasks together for greater efficiency.
  3. Time-blocking helps clarify your priorities and work goals.
  4. The “Parkinson’s Law” states that tasks expand to fill the time available for them, so allocate time wisely.
  5. Avoid time-blocking on weekends for flexibility.
  6. Schedule important tasks at the beginning of the day.
  7. Include a block for quick, small tasks and also for breaks and relaxation.
  8. Complete tasks within their assigned time blocks and include buffer time, like 15 minutes, to wrap up.
  9. During time blocks, stay focused and avoid distractions.
  10. Limit the scope of what you focus on, such as choosing one article to read instead of many.
  11. Replace idle mobile usage with engaging in new hobbies when you’re bored.

Being So Good They Cannot Ignore You: Mastering Your Journey

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Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the mantra “Be so good they cannot ignore you” takes on profound significance. Aspiring tech professionals and enthusiasts are driven to excel, creating a ripple effect that not only shapes their careers but also impacts the industry as a whole. In this blog post, we delve into how to embody this principle and craft a compelling tech journey that demands attention and respect.

1. Embrace Skill Mastery

Becoming an expert in your chosen field is the cornerstone of being truly exceptional. Invest time in honing your technical skills through continuous learning, practice, and staying updated with the latest trends.

2. The Art of Problem-Solving

Tech professionals who stand out are adept problem-solvers. Cultivate your ability to dissect complex issues, propose innovative solutions, and adapt to new challenges with resilience.

3. Building a Strong Portfolio

Showcasing your expertise through a well-crafted portfolio is essential. Share your projects, contributions to open-source initiatives, and technical achievements to make a lasting impression on potential employers and collaborators.

4. Networking for Visibility

Being good isn’t enough if you’re hidden from view. Attend tech events, conferences, and meetups to connect with like-minded individuals, mentors, and potential employers. Networking can open doors and provide valuable insights.

5. Consistent Learning and Adaptation

Tech is synonymous with change. Continuously learn and adapt to emerging technologies to remain relevant and maintain your position as a sought-after professional.

6. Embody a Growth Mindset

Approach challenges with a growth mindset. See setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve. This mindset encourages you to take risks, explore new avenues, and conquer uncharted territories.

7. Building a Personal Brand

In the digital age, your online presence matters. Craft a strong personal brand by sharing your expertise on social media, tech forums, and blogging platforms. Contribute to discussions, provide insights, and establish your authority.

8. Mentorship and Collaboration

Collaborating with peers and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can accelerate your growth. Learning from others’ experiences can help you avoid pitfalls and gain valuable insights.

9. Navigating Impostor Syndrome

As you strive for excellence, impostor syndrome might rear its head. Understand that it’s common, but your accomplishments and dedication are real. Believe in yourself and keep pushing forward.

Conclusion

“Being so good they cannot ignore you” isn’t just a phrase; it’s a mindset that empowers you to carve a remarkable path in the tech world. By mastering your skills, embracing challenges, and building a visible presence, you can create a legacy that not only demands attention but also inspires others to pursue excellence in their tech journeys. Remember, the journey may not always be easy, but the rewards of becoming truly exceptional are beyond measure.