10 Successful Marcus Aurelius’s Habits That Don’t Require You to Wake Up Early
Keep showing up when most people quit.
Habits are never easy to master.
That’s why they’re habits, not one-time tasks. Habits require consistency, work, and dedication.
Records suggest that Marcus Aurelius was an early riser, while Buddha would get up in the middle of the night to meditate under the Bodhi tree. Meaning that success can work out differently for everyone.
This demonstrates that success is not exclusive to early risers alone. A testament to this is found in the lives of individuals like Marcus Aurelius and Buddha, who achieved greatness while adhering to their own unique sleep schedules.
Below are ten successful habits by Marcus Aurelius that don’t require you to wake up early.
#1. Own and fix your problems
Throughout his reign, Marcus Aurelius faced challenges and conflicts that weren’t his fault to deal with.
Our ancestors have always lived under pressure: first for wars, then financial crises, and putting food on the table.
Hence, we must never forget who we are. Problems are part of our life, and they will never vanish. Therefore, address your problems. Take personal responsibility and fix concerns without blaming anyone.
As Marcus Aurelius believed: “You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
The man is incomplete without a problem. In other words, resolving problems gives you strength, power, and courage that running away from them won’t.
#2. Invest in good people
If you hang out with mediocre people, you’ll also act mediocre.
Walk and talk with people with visions and goals. Talk to people who want to change the world for good and leave their mark on the world.
Marcus Aurelius valued the company of various individuals who could provide wise counsel and support.
Dale Carnegie did the same and ended up with Andrew Carnegie, Napoleon Hill, and Lowell Thomas. Your life changes for good when you discover the power of your circle.
Invest in good people. Instead of wasting money on trendy clothes, have a wardrobe and present oneself with dignity and respect.
Marcus Aurelius always presented himself as a clever and wise person, and that’s how people remember him to date.
#3. Choose your words carefully
Marcus Aurelius believed in meaningful dialog.
While people overexplain or justify their actions today, Marcus Aurelius would communicate effectively and clarify himself.
Before the internet era, there was no video editing software — whatever you said would be heard by so many people without any alterations or editing. Therefore, it’s important to say (less) and say (right.)
You have to value your own words. This way, people won’t lose respect for you.
Value quality over quantity. Practice speech skills in front of the mirror. By improving your communication, you’ll express yourself better in all areas of life.
#4. Fight your own battles
As a Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius faced military campaigns and conflicts.
Marcus Aurelius made tough military decisions and worked hard to stabilize his governance. He understood that his nation’s struggles were his, and ultimately he had to deal with the conflicts.
No one will come, offer a helping hand, and effortlessly solve your problems. You have to be there to stand up for yourself sooner or later.
As Aurelius said: “You have within you right now everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.”
You’re strong now, which makes it an ideal time to confront your problems. Be resilient, and overcome challenges because sooner or later, you have to do it anyhow,
#5. Be honest with yourself
Marcus Aurelius emphasized:
- Self-reflection
- Self-awareness
Aurelius was always truthful to himself. Because he had a lot on his plate (military and government crises), he’d write his thoughts in his journal to understand them better.
Marcus Aurelius recognized the challenges of his era. Therefore, he had to be honest with himself, hold onto his motivation, and strive for a better life.
As Marcus Aurelius believed: “The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.”
Confront reality without delusion or self-deception. By doing so, you’ll understand the world without being confused or affected by your overthinking.
For that: journal, talk to yourself in the shower, and spend time with yourself.
#6. Climb one ladder at a time
Since we all have two feet, how many ladders can we climb simultaneously?
If the staircase is shorter, perhaps one, and if the staircase is broader, perhaps multiple at a time?
We might trip over if we go too fast. Marcus Aurelius believes that we must give our best on the ladder we are, with focus and concentration. Before proceeding to the next task, assess whether the previous task requires further attention and address any outstanding matters accordingly.
Take one task at hand and complete that before scattering it onto the other.
Don’t become overwhelmed. Maybe that’s why we humans don’t know our future because if we did, we’d be scattered with multiple endeavors simultaneously.
#7. Make no addiction
Marcus Aurelius practices moderation and self-control.
Even though his life was filled with problems, he’d never forget to eat, drink or do things without moderation. We, on the other hand, have more cheat days than healthy eating days.
Aurelius believed that true fulfillment and happiness come from within and does come from excessiveness.
Therefore, we must emphasize moderation in our attachments, personal things, and food to avoid harm to our well-being.
To do that, create a routine or make a food intake chart, fill up your calendar, and set your priorities to avoid getting distracted.
#8. Grow with the time
Marcus Aurelius would adapt to new possibilities.
Everyone’s field is challenging — therefore, embracing change is a part of growing up, or we’d be left without insights. Marcus Aurelius demonstrated this ability by adapting his leadership approach and philosophical outlook accordingly.
Therefore, cultivate a flexible mindset and openness to grow with time.
Things can change in an hour.
If you’re unwilling to adapt, you risk being left behind as the world continues to progress.
#9. Fall seven-time, stand up eight times
How does it feel when there is a problem, but it’s not your fault?
The same happened with Marcus Aurelius, Buddha, and Seneca. All of them had a tough life. Ultimately, they fought their way out of it.
Marcus Aurelius believed in resilience and was ready to encounter numerous setbacks and throw the problems in the rear of his mind. Marcus Aurelius tackled the challenges of his time and recorded solutions to benefit future generations as well.
Make a personal commitment to never give up. Turn your obstacles into opportunities to fight battles and learn from challenges. Work towards personal growth and progress.
#10. Pray. Wait. Trust
- Accept the natural order of things.
Things will fall into their places as they would. Have faith in the greater scheme of the universe that you won’t be left out no matter what.
Do your part and wait for the rest, as Marcus Aurelius believed. 99% of the time, our actions raise bear fruit. Therefore, surrendering control over things beyond our power and trust in events unfolding.
Live in the present moment because there isn’t time for the universe, which can change from good to bad in a second.
Believe that the universe is not your enemy, and you won’t be left behind.
Final thoughts:
As of now, there are 896 Medium blogs about Marcus Aurelius that cover his life and praise his war strategies.
Marcus Aurelius turned complex ideas into accessible lessons that resonated with countless individuals, making him widely celebrated as an extraordinary teacher.
While we won't encounter Roman battles today, we can channel the powerful energy into personal growth, becoming stronger, more successful, and kinder individuals. This preparation can prove valuable in the face of any future conflict resembling the Roman war.
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