Epictetus is nudging you to take a hard look at the roles you play in your life. Imagine you’ve taken on the part of a marathon runner, but you're winded after a sprint; the mismatch is clear. You’ve set yourself up for a part that doesn't fit, and worse, you’ve missed the chance to excel in the role of a stellar sprinter.

Ask yourself: Are the expectations you adopt—whether in your career, relationships, or personal growth—truly aligned with your capabilities and strengths? Or are you reaching for a disguise that doesn't fit, leaving your real potential untapped?

Bringing this to your daily life could mean reassessing your goals. Perhaps striving to be the employee who works the longest hours is out of sync with your true strength of working smart and efficiently. Or maybe you're pushing to be the ever-available friend at the cost of cultivating your own solitude and peace. Consider volunteering for engagements that showcase your natural talents and leave the ill-fitting roles to others. This will not only bolster your sense of authenticity but will also allow you to make genuine progress in the areas where you can truly shine.

So, what is the role you’ve been playing, and more importantly, is it the one that truly suits you?