I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.
Tuesday - Cultivating Indifference Where Others Grow Passion
Since becoming a manager I’ve changed. The biggest change is in how I handle situations, processes, and people. I can get very passionate about how things are handled. I’ve since learned that I can’t control people and that I am moving toward indifference to situations. I may not agree with it. I need to cultivate indifference though or I’ll be dead somewhere in my 40s. I used to think my passionate responses and caring about the work got me where I am. Management is a different mindset and I feel like the best managers are those that can keep an even keel perception of things. I’d like to be a good manager.
Richard Winters server in the Army during World War II. He was one of the main players in the book and show Band of Brothers. I loved that he always seemed to be in control of situations even when it wasn’t of his own making. He stepped up and performed. Because of his indifference he was able to have many successes on the battlefield and climb the ranks to further influence decision making in the Army. \
Yesterday - When You Lose Control
I could have used this stoic Tuesday when I was frustrated about work. The frustration wasn’t helped by the fact that while taking my son to the doctor the low tire pressure light came on. I had to run the car to the mechanic and figure out a way home. The wife was stressed out. Tuesday is the day the kids go to their activities. I didn’t end the day well.
The stoic talks about troubled water. When everything is balanced and good it is calm. When that water is disturbed it’s very turbulent. While at my daughters singing lessons I just sat there and meditated. When I left I was much more calm. Then I got back into work and stayed up late. I could have used more meditation at the end of the day. That’s all part of the process though and eventually the water has settled.
Today - You Can’t Always (Be) Get(ting) What You Want
“Do I need this thing?”
“What will happen if I do not get it?”
“Can I make do without it?”
These are things we should be asking ourselves. We need to prioritize what’s important in life. I am the worst at this as I have many different interests. I can overwhelm my self with stuff to do. I’ve started to ask this more and more of the things I’m doing. Video games being a good example.
I’m getting back into retail WoW after playing WoW Classic. There is a new allied race available and I’d like to get it. In the past each night before going to bed I’ve done the daily quests I needed to get the allied races done. It’s different this time. I’m prioritizing books and spending time with the wife over a daily grind to something that is ultimately a nice to have. I can get the race at any time. There’s no rush and that’s a comforting thought.