70: Marcus Aurelius Secret To Beat Procrastination (Archive)

I always aspired to be a more productive person, but wrestling with the procrastination demon proved to be quite a challenge. Each evening at dinner, I would inevitably face a scolding from my parents for squandering time.

Admittedly, it pained me to realize how I consistently frittered away countless hours each month on unproductive pursuits like gaming, Netflix binging, and endless TikTok scrolling.

One day, faced with an internet outage and left with no alternative, I reluctantly turned to some of the seemingly dull books my dad had purchased for me. In this unexpected turn of events, I chose to delve into "Meditations by Marcus Aurelius," and a simple question posed in that book became a game-changer for my productivity.

While there are numerous advantages to reading "Meditations," let me highlight a few key insights.

1. "Meditations" remains as pertinent today as it was two millennia ago, addressing timeless human challenges such as navigating adversity, managing emotions, and seeking purpose in life.

2. Going beyond theoretical philosophy, "Meditations" imparts practical advice for leading a fulfilling life. Aurelius's reflections on self-control, gratitude, and resilience offer actionable guidance for everyday situations.

3. Reading "Meditations" grants access to the mind of a powerful leader grappling with immense responsibilities. Witnessing how Aurelius tackled tough decisions, handled criticism, and maintained inner peace amid turmoil provides valuable insights into leadership and decision-making.

4. Considering Aurelius's existence in the 100s AD, his thoughts provide a fresh perspective on our contemporary, technology-laden lives. It's akin to taking a mental vacation to a simpler era, enriched with ancient wisdom.

5. "Meditations" serves as an accessible gateway to Stoic principles. Its easily digestible format and relatable themes offer a gentle introduction to core Stoic concepts like virtue, reason, and acceptance. Exploring Aurelius's thoughts provides a foundational understanding of Stoicism, allowing you to decide whether to delve deeper into this profound philosophical tradition.

1. Set an hourly awareness alarm on your phone.

2. When it rings, pose a simple question: Is this essential?

3. If the answer is NO, take proactive steps to eliminate that distraction from your life.

[Book] Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

If you seek tranquility, do less. Or (more accurately) do what’s essential. Do less, better. Because most of what we do or say is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more tranquility. But to eliminate the necessary actions, we need to eliminate unnecessary assumptions as well.  — Marcus Aurelius

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