The Art of Consistency

Hello Reader,

Thank you for stopping by. All too commonly, phrases like “consistency is key” and “discipline equals freedom” echo throughout the digital space. So, what is discipline, and can I buy some at Wal-Mart? Unfortunately (or fortunately), the answer is no.

Many of us strive for consistency in our lives, whether it's in academics, fitness, or relationships. Consistency is a valued character trait that can be challenging to obtain and maintain. Let’s explore the essence of consistency through the lens of ancient Stoic philosophy.

By examining their wisdom, we can gain insight into the trials, tribulations, struggles, and victories that inevitably surface in our lives. In understanding their perspective, we may discover wisdom that helps us move closer to manifesting consistent character and the disciplined self we admire in others.

The Stoic Way: Embracing the Power of Consistency

Before we delve into Stoic philosophy, it's important to understand who the Stoic philosophers were and the world they inhabited. Stoicism originated in Ancient Greece and Rome during the 3rd Century CE. To provide context, let's highlight some significant events of that era.

Notable events included not only wars but also major cataclysms and diseases. The Punic Wars between Carthage and Rome, along with numerous Roman civil wars, reshaped the empire, culminating in the Roman Civil War that brought about the demise of the Republic and the birth of the Empire. The Julio-Claudian Dynasty, featuring emperors like Augustus, Claudius, and Caligula, ruled during the time of Stoicism's emergence. Additionally, the destruction of Pompeii due to the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius and the smallpox plague of Cyprian, potentially killing millions, marked this epoch.

The prevalence of death and the realities of life during this time make Stoicism's philosophy endearing and meaningful. Understanding the historical context of these original philosophers emphasizes the universality of Stoicism.

Death and life were integral parts of their daily existence, giving rise to philosophies like "Memento Mori" and "Amor Fati." These concepts are often expressed in modern culture, but their origins are often overlooked.

The ancient Stoics emphasized rationality, virtue, and self-control as the path to a fulfilling life. Their teachings offer timeless wisdom on navigating life's challenges with resilience, inner peace, and moral integrity, making their wisdom relevant to modern life.

So, what were their thoughts on consistency?

For the Stoics, consistency was a cornerstone of their philosophy and one's character. At the core of Stoicism lies the idea that living in alignment with one's principles is imperative despite external circumstances.

Many of us have faced life-altering challenges and may view our small victories as mere survival. We often fail to see the value in our struggles and our ability to adapt to change. The late Stephen Hawking loosely defined intelligence as "the ability to adapt to change." Take note: you are intelligent, capable of facing adversity willfully, and life is worth living because we all shall die. Each moment is unique, and each breath is an anomalous creation of the universe. Use it wisely.

So, what makes exploring the Stoic path a natural extension of our current personal growth? Do you find it challenging to embrace a disciplined mindset? Do you feel as though you have fallen from the path, and it cannot be found again? If one of those answers is yes, then read on. If not, still read along anyway.

Let's embark on the journey back to the path together. First, can we commit to staying true to our core beliefs, even in the face of challenges? If so, it may be beneficial to identify those values. Have you taken the time to investigate those core beliefs? If not, take a moment to do so. These beliefs may change over time, and that's okay. Investigate your current core values and beliefs with an honest heart and an open mind. In doing so, you can build resilience and inner strength.

If you're having trouble with this, use the following Mindful Guerrillas challenge to further investigate:

Challenge: Take a minute, pause, sit with your thoughts, and ask yourself, "What is important to me right now?" What do I value? Take note and revisit in the morning.

In life, we often encounter obstacles that seem insurmountable. Let’s explore a few lessons that stoic wisdom teachers have left us when this seems to be the case.

Firstly, stoics often thought that obstacles are not barriers to our progress; instead, they are the very path for one to grow and develop character along with discipline. The great Marcus Aurelius once stated, "Obstacle is the way," encapsulating the spirit of stoicism. This quote firmly suggests that we should seek challenges with courage and honor because that which we are afraid of offers the most growth. By facing our obstacles with preparation and focus, we can change our thought process to see challenges or obstacles as opportunities that ignite our desire for continued learning and self-improvement. Life’s obstacles are endless motivation for one to get better. With that knowledge, we can transform adversity into our greatest source of strength.

The truth is that challenges are coming; choose them, or they will choose you. When we willfully seek adversity, we build the resilience, discipline, and consistency to overcome.

Key Takeaways for the Mindful Guerrilla:

Start Small, Build Steady: Consistency is not about drastic changes; it's about making incremental progress consistently. Take small steps each day towards your goals, and over time, they will compound into significant achievements.

Embrace Imperfections: Consistency does not imply perfection. Acknowledge that setbacks are part of the journey. Be compassionate with yourself and use setbacks as learning opportunities to grow stronger.

Rituals and Routines: Create rituals and routines that support your path to consistency. Whether it's morning meditation, daily journaling, or regular Jiu-Jitsu training, these habits will anchor you on your journey.

Adopt a Growth Mindset: Believe in your capacity for growth and improvement. Consistency is fueled by the belief that you can progress and evolve through dedication and effort.

As mindful human beings, we already possess the grit and resilience required to master the art of consistency. By incorporating the wisdom of Stoics and mindfulness modalities, we can elevate our journey of self-improvement and personal growth to new heights. Remember, the pursuit of consistent character and personal growth IS your sanctuary—within these pursuits, you will find a community who support each other in this growth. Together, let us attempt to embrace the art of consistency and forge a path that leads to greater fulfillment and contentment.

So, what will your next steps be?

Who will you choose to become?