What does it mean in your life today?

February 10, 2025
4:59 PM

There is a famous quote from Epictetus that says, "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." This was one of the first quotes that built the foundation for my own philosophy and got me started on my personal development journey years ago. While straightforward, its meaning in my life has changed throughout the years.

When I first heard this quote, I was a college dropout. I recently gave up on my first business because I lacked the leadership skills to manage others, let alone myself and my own life. I was making big decisions to set my life on the right path. I was out to make my mark on the world. During this time, when my only desires were to change everything around me, this quote taught me not to focus on changing the world, but on changing myself. It taught me that I was the only part of this world I could change.

Shortly after, my life began to slow down. The excitement of making big life-changing decisions faded away and I was left with the responsibility to follow through on the promises I made to myself. At the time, it meant developing daily disciplines that would eventually allow me to reach my goals. However, when my day-to-day efforts didn't show signs of progress, I began to lose hope. In my moments of doubt, the quote taught me the way I experienced my circumstances mattered more than the circumstances themselves. In time, I learned to be as vigilant of the thoughts and feelings within me as I was about the events around me.

As I continued down my own path in life, I began to refine what I was working toward. Like most people, I initially set out to earn my freedom by accumulating more resources. However, I discovered having more time, money, and energy didn’t improve my life as I imagined, but led me to do more of the same things I always did. In my confusion, the quote taught me not to focus on accumulating more resources, but on using the resources I already have wisely. What mattered wasn't what I would accumulate, but how I would use what I accumulated. It made me begin asking myself, "What can I do with the resources I have in my possession today?"

No matter how tall our mentors are, we must each do our own growing. No matter how many quotes we may read, wisdom isn't just about understanding what others say, but understanding how it can be applied in our life. As an old mentor used to tell me, "The hallmark of wisdom is adaptability." When you learn something, strive to understand how it applies to your situation. Ask yourself, "What does this mean in my life today?" Being wise is not a character trait, but seeking what is relevant to your current situation.

6:23 PM
Chris X