You Must Begin
“You see, then, that it is necessary for you to become a student—that creature which everyone laughs at—if you really desire to make an examination of your judgments. But this, as you are quite aware, is not the work of a single hour or day.”
—Epictetus
Discourses
It's not about the quick fixes or immediate answers we so often seek. Instead, it's about embracing the curiosity and humility of a learner—someone who's willing to be laughed at, to make mistakes, and to constantly question their own judgments.
How often do we hold onto our beliefs without really testing them? In your daily life, look for those moments when you're sure you're right, and then play the student—ask yourself why you think that, and be open to discovering you might be wrong.
Understanding ourselves and our motivations isn't a checkbox task—it's something we work on endlessly. Just like learning a musical instrument or a new language, it requires patience, practice, and persistence.
Imagine tackling every day with the mindset of a student. Instead of confidently asserting what you know, you'd ask, "What can I learn from this?" when facing challenges or conflicts.
Think about the last disagreement you had—did you stop to examine your judgment, or did you rush to defend it? Remember, even the wisest minds didn't reach their understanding overnight.
Let's all pick up our metaphorical books and study the intricate subject that is ourselves, not just once, but every day.