The Stoic Way of Trusting Your Path
Angela Jean
Everybody doubts themselves once in a while. Whether you chose an unconventional path or you are following a more “classic” one, you will find yourself questioning your direction once in a while. Personal success, clarity and happiness are mostly found along unconventional paths. For those who do make the switch, self-doubt might arise even more often.
What to learn from Seneca’s letter “On the Tranquility of Mind” he writes:
Common opinion is what gets people to walk the main road.
Common opinion tells you to get a job, wait and see.
Common opinion tells you to buy things you don’t need because they’re being advertised to you. With common opinion, the path is easy but the journey is meaningless.
Trust the process
You’re never going to be 100% certain of everything all the time.
You’re never going to make 0 mistakes and nail everything.
You’re never going to be happy all the time.
You’re always going to have to deal with setbacks.
But as long as you trust the process, keep pushing through the lows and working through the highs, you’ll be all right. Euthymia is found in following your own path, sticking to it, and avoiding distractions along the way. When you find yourself in doubt, simply remember the power of this mantra.
Conclusion
You chose this path. You’re headed in the right direction, because this is what you want to do more than anything. The common opinion does not matter, because you’re not walking the main road. Everything is clear and you’re relying on the most certain guides: your faith, your people, and your hard work.
Enjoy the journey.
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