As Seneca points out in this invaluable piece of Stoic wisdom, we can often spend our lives unintentionally off-course. We stay preoccupied in actions which are not beneficial, idle or not purpose-driven.

Just think about it: How much time do you spend worrying, dwelling over regrets, or procrastinating? And how frequently do you engage in activities that aren't really contributing to your goals and values in life?

Essentially, Seneca is urging you to take stock of how you're investing your time—your life's most precious resource.