Regain The Rhythm
If you were to go back in time thirty days, what would you see? Some might see in themselves a renewed sense of vigor, candid reflection, immersion in vicious goal writing, vivid hope, clear intent. Where are you now?
Book VI of Marcus Aurelius' personal wartime journal-turned essential Stoic guide finds him encouraging himself, and subsequently others, to regain equilibrium whenever lost. "Return to yourself with all speed," he implores, "and never lose the rhythm for any longer than you must." Aurelius then reminds us that the more frequently we return to ourselves, the easier we'll find it to be the self we wish to be.
The Stoic acknowledges the disruptions and distractions of life and our vulnerability to fatigue, and equally, our ability to review and reset. Do not make the mistake that is restricting this to one day a year.
Each day presents the opportunity to review and reset, to rebalance, to regain the rhythm with which we entered the year. Each day you decide to keep the pace you set for yourself, consciously operating as the person capable of doing so.
When describing the journey of someone who consistently reached higher goals, 10x Is Easier Than 2x author Dr. Benjamin Hardy offers the following: "Chad exhibits a quality that only the world's top achievers do: The ability to rapidly accept a new identity."
Falling short of our intentions is not a lack of willpower; it is, wholly and specifically, a lack of consistent realignment with who we intend to be.
Review, regain, repeat.
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