He who overcomes others has force. He who overcomes himself is strong.
-Lao Tzu
Are you your worst enemy? We can start to eliminate negative thinking by confronting it with positive actions aimed at growth. Much of this starts with acknowledging that we can only control our own thoughts and actions. If we can control it, it should be aimed at self-improvement and at adding value to the communities of which we are a member.
Books are the training weights of the mind.
-Epictetus
How often do you read? Reading a book of your choosing is a great way to express your will, learn and cultivate discipline. Sitting down on a daily basis and reading something that is aimed at your growth and development is a great habit to cultivate a strong mind.
Dig within yourself. There lies the source of good; a source whose waters will forever well up, if you but forever dig.
-Marcus Aurelius
How do you look inward on a daily basis? Are you constantly consuming food, sights, and sounds without ever questioning if they’re good for you? To dig within is to practice the skill of inner dialogue. Talking to yourself, not out loud, or sometimes out loud, is the best way to practice introspection.
Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do- now.
-Epictetus
What is the greatest possible version of your future self? Being delusional is good if it encourages actions that map to the vision and does not encourage arrogance.
Man is nothing other than his own project. He exists only to the extent that he realizes himself, therefore he is nothing more than the sum of his actions, nothing more than his life.
-Jean-Paul Sartre
What is the final sum of your actions this week? Who did you become? Awareness of actions, especially habits, is key.
The Pocket Philosopher 