Have you got stuck in a situation where you feel you have lost all control over it? Or, you just don’t know what to do with a relationship? That feeling overwhelms you, it brings anxiety, and headaches and suddenly your mind, body and soul are affected, not only that, it starts affecting loved ones too. I guess we all have been there, but What if you can move just an inch?
Last year I was in a very dire situation, feeling completely powerless. I needed all my energy and mind power to be able to come out of that place stronger. The issue was taking over my thoughts day and night. When that happens you have to be incredibly stoic about it. I had to go back to my notes, my books, meditation, talk to some senior mentors, etc. And finally, I managed to create a different reality for the whole situation first in my mind and then allow that to be manifested in the context of the problem/challenge. It worked but it did not go all at once, it took some pushes and shoves internally, moving my mindset inch by inch to the correct mind frame.
When a difficult situation appears, a storm brews on the horizon, and your boat is rattled by ranging waves, be assured and know that you have inside you the power to ride out the storm. When you don’t know what to do and how to deal with a particular tough circumstance: stop! The best thing to do is to stop and ask yourself a question:
What is the smallest change I can make right now to move just one inch and give me an edge? Instead of focusing on the overall big picture aim your focus on the minimal change you can make. Perhaps that will be just a change in your perspective, a happy thought, or a deep breath, a walk in the park, a chat with a friend, etc.
If you can move one inch in the right direction, you are already set to keep going and get momentum.
The Stoic Emperor Marcus Aurelius talks about three areas we need to go about our business and weather any storm that comes our way in our daily lives.
“All you need are these: certainty of judgment in the present moment; action for the common good in the present moment; and an attitude of gratitude in the present moment for anything that comes your way”
Marcus Aurelius
Book writer and philosopher Ryan Holiday calls these “the three overlapping but critical disciplines of Stoicism”. They sum up the essence of Stoic Philosophy. Once you take control over your own judgments, you direct your actions accordingly and you are willing to accept the obstacles that come your way, then you will start moving inch by inch towards the desired outcome in any challenging situation you are going through.
When you get stuck:
1 – don’t look out, look inside of you, search your feelings and emotions.
2 – Secondly, take a break, and breathe.
3 – Think like a stoic and follow the three steps above
4 – Share your load with trusted mentors and people around you.
5- Never forget that storms don’t last forever
Andy de Lima 
I think that the principles of Stoicism outlined are certainly worth considering as a way to approach difficult circumstances. The emphasis on mindfulness and self-control, as well as the importance of seeking guidance from trusted mentors, can be helpful in finding a way forward in challenging situations. I also agree that it is important to remember that difficult times are temporary and to keep this perspective in mind. I think that the principles of Stoicism offer a valuable framework for navigating challenges and finding ways to move forward.
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That’s right, I have been practicing for a few years and have not been disappointed to what I could achieve so far in my personal growth and business. It is practical and pragmatic, its teachings are so relevant still. The part about about finding mentors are the critical and some times not straight forward as it involves a strong two-way commitment that is based on vulnerability, accountability and trust. Having said that we can also model and mirror others even if they are not close to us. But as the saying goes “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” so we should seek to perfect ourselves – everything is temporary, and in life we either win or we learn. Thank you so much for the comment!!!
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I’m glad to hear that you have had positive experiences with personal growth and business through your practice. Finding mentors can be a challenging process, but it can be very rewarding as well. Modeling and mirroring others can be a helpful way to learn and grow, even if we don’t have a personal relationship with them. It’s true that when we are ready to learn, the right teacher or opportunity will often appear. It’s important to remember that everything is temporary and to approach life with the mindset that we are either learning or winning. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me!
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