The Pursuit of Well-Being Through Action: A Stoic Perspective
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Chapter 1: Understanding True Well-Being
The essence of well-being is often misinterpreted. As Marcus Aurelius eloquently stated, those who are preoccupied with fame rely on the opinions of others, while those who chase pleasure depend on transient feelings. In contrast, individuals with genuine insight derive their well-being solely from their own actions. Reflect on the qualities of those you aspire to impress, the material gains you seek, and the strategies you employ. Time swiftly diminishes such pursuits, and many will eventually fade away.
Image created by Ann Leach.
When we engage in activities solely for the pleasure they bring, we set foot on the path to happiness and fulfillment. However, once we start to seek validation from others, we relinquish our control over our own joy and well-being.
During my time as a competitive volleyball player, my motivation stemmed from the sheer joy of the game. I dedicated myself to each play because I found joy in volleyball itself. The score was rarely on my mind, and winning was not my primary focus. While victory was indeed rewarding, it wasn’t my main objective.
I recall two specific occasions when winning became my sole focus, and in both instances, my enjoyment diminished. The pressure to secure championship wins overshadowed my performance, leading to feelings of disappointment that linger even today. It wasn't about failing my team; rather, it was about disappointing myself. In those critical moments, the weight of expectation caused me to falter. I can still vividly remember the anxiety I felt during those decisive points.
Fortunately, this experience isn’t crippling for me, and I recognize that I did my best under the circumstances at that young age. I share this story to highlight its relevance to today’s quote.
Join me in exploring The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman.
Ann Leach writes regularly on topics such as Home Education (Homeschooling), Stoicism, Homemaking, Minimalism, and more. Residing in Sunbury, Victoria, she enjoys leisurely afternoons with tea, time spent with friends, working on jigsaw puzzles, and outdoor activities like walking and cycling.
Section 1.1: The Importance of Focus on Action
Engaging in activities for their intrinsic value can enhance our happiness. The danger arises when we start to prioritize the approval of others over our own enjoyment.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Joy of Playing for the Sake of It
This video, titled "The Daily Stoic // May 14th Interpretation - 'Our Wellbeing Lies In Our Actions'", dives deeper into the Stoic philosophy surrounding our actions and well-being.
Section 1.2: The Pitfalls of External Validation
When we allow external pressures to dictate our happiness, we often find ourselves in a cycle of disappointment.
The video "OUR WELL-BEING LIES IN OUR ACTIONS - May 14th #dailystoic #philosophy" further explores the relationship between our actions and our sense of well-being.