1843 Years Later, These 4 Time Tested Habits by Marcus Aurelius Can Solve Your Life’s Problems

You’re not defined by the problems you encounter but by the solutions you create.

Marcus Aurelius, who was of Italo-Hispanic descent, grew up during a time when his grandfather held high status as prefect of Rome. His great uncle, Hadrian, recognized Aurelius’s potential and took him under his wing from a young age.

Aurelius grew up like any elite Roman class child would — with proper education, physical training, instilled family values, and connections that were highly sought after in that era. However, he never took these privileges for granted. He knew that the right person must know how to use his knowledge and abilities to serve others rather than inflate his own ego.

Even in his middle age, Aurelius continued to prioritize learning and growth. While his elite status may have opened doors for him, he knew that he had to forge his own path in life. His life serves as a perfect testament that habits and consistency can change your life.

Today, 1843 years later, we can still learn from Marcus Aurelius’s wisdom. Below are four life lessons that he predicted centuries ago and which remain relevant today.

1. Your diet isn’t just what you eat

No matter what, if you stay with negative people, you will end up being negative.

As Aurelius believed: “Your mind will take the shape of what you frequently hold in thought, for the human spirit is colored by such impressions.”

We don’t realize it, but our thoughts take the shape of our surroundings. For instance, if you’re surrounded by negativity, it’s easy to become pessimistic.

It’s ironic how we can become absorbed in something that we fail to notice when we lose our sense of positivity. And that’s why Aurelius shaped his life around good things and good people:

• Dedication as duty
• Engaging with philosophical friends: Avidius Cassius and Herodes Atticus
• Looking up to his ancestors for guidance (though they had passed away, he sought guidance from their teachings)

There’s a saying that if you surround yourself with three good people, you will become the fourth good one. However, if you surround yourself with three bad people, you will become the fourth bad one.

Our thoughts quickly adapt to our surroundings. Our minds, like sponges, are constantly learning, understanding, and expanding. However, if we neglect to nourish ourselves with positive thoughts, negativity can consume us.

2. Not everything happens for a reason, but you can choose to give meaning

Marcus Aurelius had a son “Commodus” who was the complete opposite of him.

Despite enduring a life filled with Marcomannic wars, the loss of children, economic struggles, political schemes, and disease outbreaks, Aurelius also had to worry about succession.

Although he could have been called the unlucky emperor, Aurelius never desired that label. He was brave and used his courageous ability to fight wars and discover silver linings in every situation. To minimize the impact of these challenges, he would return home, practice meditation, engage in continuous learning, and write in his journal to maintain a balanced perspective.

Life is full of challenges, but it’s up to you to assign meaning or dismiss them as mere distractions. Consider this: planets aren’t troubled by asteroids in the solar system because they understand that both are essential for their existence.

Similarly, view the struggles in your life — give meaning only to what is necessary for your growth and well-being.

3. Thrive, not just live

Don’t get me wrong, Marcus Aurelius didn’t lead a terrible life.

He faced his fair share of challenges but decided not to dwell on them. Instead, he focused on his growth journey. Take a look at his accomplishments in winning battles, practicing meditation, and writing, proving he viewed problems as just problems and never allowed them to consume his mind.

Even though problems can weigh you down, you can still navigate under the radar and move forward. Marcus Aurelius recognized this and utilized all available resources to enhance his life and make wise choices, inspiring future generations.

Remember, the goal of life is not simply to exist but to give each day purpose and significance.

Treat each day like a year, and do something you’re proud of. Marcus Aurelius did it in the form of his book, and now it’s our turn to make the most out of living in this technological era.

Don’t live — enjoy every moment. Make problems regret coming into your life.

4. Journaling is modern-day magic

• Life never stopped teaching, and Aurelius never stopped learning.

He would maintain a journal, “Meditations,” where he would input his life lessons, teachings, and ideas for future reflection. He believed that just as food leaves the body, thoughts do not.

Instead, they linger in your mind and cause exhaustion until you find a way to purge them.

Aurelius practiced moderation in various aspects of his life, including journaling, eating, and meditating. Despite being an emperor and constantly exposed to much information, journaling gave him a reliable outlet to organize his thoughts.

Therefore, journaling is modern-day magic. Journaling helped Aurelius maintain his sanity during conflict, hardship, and suffering.

Final thoughts

You’re not defined by the problems you encounter but by the solutions you create.

Focus on the positive side of every situation, as it is the only side that will help you grow. Marcus Aurelius understood the power of these habits 1843 years ago, but imagine how proud your future generations would be if they discovered that you possessed these same habits.

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