Sometimes, we all feel like packing our bags and heading off somewhere far away, believing that distance will solve our problems.

But Seneca reminds us that true escape doesn't come from a change of scenery, but from a change within ourselves.

It's easy to think a new city or job will be the cure-all, but have you ever stopped to consider that the common denominator in all your situations is, well, you? Next time you feel harassed by your circumstances, ask yourself: is the issue out there or is it perhaps the way I'm responding to the challenge?

Becoming a different person doesn't mean altering your essence or becoming someone you're not. It's about personal growth, developing resilience, patience, and a positive mindset that enables you to deal with life's unavoidable stresses.

Instead of wishing for an external change to happen, focus on how you can adapt internally. Are you frequently upset by insignificant things? Could a shift in perspective transform a bad day into a chance to practice patience and fortitude?

By refining your character, you essentially change the lens through which you view the world—that, in turn, changes how the world, and its challenges, appear to you.