Don't let the absence of inborn talent become the excuse to abandon your pursuit of personal growth.

Even if you're not the next Socrates in intellect or a Milo in strength, you still work on sharpening your mind and strengthening your body. Think about your daily routines; do you sometimes feel discouraged from continuing a hobby, study, or exercise because you're not the 'best' at it?

Epictetus tells us that this mindset misses the point of discipline entirely. It's not about attaining the highest possible status or comparing ourselves to the greatest in each field, but about the relentless commitment to improving within our abilities.

Now, switch gears and apply this to your life. When you wake up each morning, you're faced with countless opportunities for self-improvement. Imagine sidestepping the self-pity party of not being a financial titan like Croesus and instead focusing on managing your own finances wisely.

Remember, it's not about living up to an ultimate paragon; it's about not giving up your own 'appropriate discipline.' In each endeavor, ask yourself: Are you maintaining discipline in your actions despite knowing you may never reach the pinnacle of perfection?

If Epictetus could be content striving for personal best rather than historical best, perhaps you can find motivation in his attitude to persist in your disciplines, no matter the scope of your natural talents.