I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

Lots of lessons in this one on table etiquette and manners. We should be patient for the dishes on the table and wait our turn. Reaching out is impolite and is a metaphor for wanting something we don’t have yet in the future. I’m reminded of trips with this idea. I often don’t get excited about a trip until we’re on our way with the trip. I’ve found getting excited ahead of time doesn’t really do much for me.

A lot of those same lessons can be applied for wanting for things to get done at work. I was once asked why I’m not upset or freaking out about a security incident that we were currently dealing with. My response was that right now someone is starting or doing something that I will find out about in three months and it will blow up my day. There’s no reason for me to get upset now. It’s already happened and in the past. What’s important is moving forward and addressing the issue. I used this same mindset early in my IT career. When I had long workdays that led into early mornings, I always told myself that at some point I would be at home in bed sleeping.

There are other lessons from a banquet. Be grateful to be invited. Take our time and savor the moment. Don’t indulge too much in the food or drink. It’s not healthy. Offer assistance at the end to help cleanup which is selflessness. Finally, put on your own banquet of charity.