I was on stage once speaking at a high school, and I opened up the talk by asking a simple question, “How many of you have ever heard of Stoic philosophy?”
Take a guess how many hands went up in the air. And this wasn’t just students either. There were plenty of adults in the audience.
If you haven’t figured it out, the answer is…ZERO!
I’m not going to lie, the fight time I heard “Stoic Philosophy,” you might as well have been saying “wot wot wot wah waaaah.” It sounds big and scary and old and boring and not something I want to be a part of my life.
But then I read about it. I read the book “The Obstacle is the Way” (Ryan Holiday) and learned that Stoic philosophy is all about dealing with adversity and becoming better as a result of it. It’s about “controlling the controllables.”
Today’s AM Excellence is all about making adversity your friend. It contains two awesome philosophies form proven winners, famous athletes Steve Prefontaine and Cary Kolat. (Listen here.)
PS If you liked this AM Excellence, get it sent directly to your phone; subscribe to A Fighter’s Mindset – The Spaniard Podcast. If that sounds too confusing and difficult, I’ve made it easy. Follow this simple guide: Simple Guide to Subscribe to A Fighter’s Mindset – The Spaniard Podcast and Get Every Episode Sent Straight to My Phone.
Life’s a Fight. Carpe Diem. Fight Well!
Spaniard
About the author : cbrenneman
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
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