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The man on the horse is Marcus Aurelius. He was the Roman emperor from 161 to 180 AD. Marcus was also a Stoic philosopher. Marcus’s Mediations is a book I re-read once a year. I did so again in December.
This is my favorite edition of Meditations This book is more of a journal and was not written for publication. It is a collection of his private notes identifying and clarifying his thoughts on responding well to hardship in thought and action.
The book is read by and has influenced many leaders worldwide to help them as they face challenges personally and professionally. Here in America a few Presidents who read Mediations consistently- George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Bill Clinton.
Stoicism is best understood by studying the writings of the Stoics such as Seneca and Epictetus. Ryan Holiday has made it a mission to share Stocism in the last two decades. If you have a desire to learn, Ryan’s books are accessible to the modern mind.
This journey is personal for me, and I am calling myself out as the Stoics did.
I started my sales development agency in 2016. So much has changed. So much has happened. But at the same time, so little has changed. I have grown personally and professionally. Revenue has grown each year. Success has occurred, but I must ask myself, did it really happen?
The great Stoic Epictetus has the perfect question for me, and perhaps you.
How long are you going to wait before you demand the best of yourself?
Perhaps instead of making the bullshit new year resolutions to go to the gym, lose weight, prospect more, start that big project, learn the skill that closes the gap you have, or just start being a better human in any of the many roles you have – spouse, sibling, friend, or parent, you answer Epictetus’s question.
How much time are you going to let pass you by? Hopefully, not much longer. I am not arrogant enough to believe this post will motivate you to make the necessary change. I ask that you look in the philosophical mirror and answer Epictetus’s question!
The epiphany that hit from the re-read of Mediations in December of 2023 was that March Aurelius tells himself to stop hoping and “be his own savior while he can. “
It is excellent advice. Instead of “making a New Year’s resolution”, why not resolve to “demand the best from yourself” now?
Every year. Every month and week. Every moment. The new year is right in front of you. What can you do to be a better salesperson or Leader? This could be the year you finally learn to listen more or ask better questions of your customers.
2024 could be the year when you look back on when you became your best, most centered, most self-reliant, and resilient self. You must accept the difficulty and get comfortable with the new standard. Growth requires resistance!
My advice is to embrace the challenge and hold yourself to being and doing better. A Stoic believes they don’t control the world around them, only how they respond, and they must always respond with courage, temperance, wisdom, and justice. These virtues can lead you to a life well lived professionally and personally.
My professional focus is to enhance and elevate the sales profession. I do this in action by coaching people to improve their sales skills while becoming mentally disciplined. My role is to tell your sales team what they don’t want to hear, and see what they don’t want to see, so they can be everything they can be. The journey is difficult, but the growth is amazing.
My commitment for 2024 is to do the things I know I need to do to provide more value to my clients.
- Focus on my professional growth – so become an even better coach.
- Engage only with Leaders who are committed to revenue growth.
- Make it easier for individuals to engage with my content.
Each of these have action and milestones to achieve by a period of time. I am telling you this and my accountability partner. I will become a better version of me.
If you are serious about professional growth, maybe we should talk. I take on about 27% of the people who reach out. The 73% lack the commitment and desire for change. Which bucket are you?
Application Call can be scheduled here. Regardless – I hope you achieve your desired outcomes. Happy New Year!
