Carpe Diem: Seize the Day and Conquer Procrastination

October 27, 2023 Real Life Strength

“Think of all the years passed by in which you said to yourself “I’ll do it tomorrow,” and how the gods have again and again granted you periods of grace of which you have not availed yourself. It is time to realize that you are a member of the Universe, that you are born of Nature itself, and to know that a limit has been set to your time. Use every moment wisely, to perceive your inner refulgence, or ’twill be gone and nevermore within your reach.“

Marcus Aurelius Born: April 26, 121 AD, Rome, Italy – Died: March 17, 180 AD

Don’t Let Perfection Get In The Way Of Progress

Today’s quote by Marcus Aurelius is a great reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living in the present. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, was not only a skilled leader but also a philosopher known for his Stoic beliefs. His “Meditations,” a series of personal writings, is a timeless source of wisdom that continues to inspire and guide people even centuries after his death if you haven’t had the chance to read Meditations I highly recommend it!

In this quote, Marcus Aurelius encourages us to reflect on our tendency to procrastinate, to put off until tomorrow what we could do today. It’s a habit that many of us can relate to and one I struggle with, it is easy to postpone important tasks or personal growth endeavors, thinking there will always be another day to tackle them. Yet, as Marcus reminds us, “the gods have granted us periods of grace” – moments of opportunity and respite that we frequently overlook. It can be difficult to start that new thing you have been thinking about or finish that project. However, thinking about it is the first step, our minds will do anything to distract us from taking action. You must take action, and start by setting an achievable goal and sticking to it no matter what. There will be lots of excuses/distractions of why you can’t or you don’t have time. Trust me there is enough time it’s about prioritizing it. There is no time like the present, let’s start taking action now!

Seize The Day

What makes Marcus Aurelius’s words so compelling is his emphasis on our connection to the universe and nature. He reminds us that we are not isolated beings but integral parts of the grand tapestry of existence. We are born from nature itself, and with this birthright comes a finite allocation of time. This perspective, deeply rooted in Stoicism, emphasizes the impermanence of life and the need to make the most of the moments we have.

To truly embrace the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius’s words, we must learn to seize the day, a concept encapsulated in the Latin phrase “carpe diem.” (Whenever I hear carpe diem I can’t help but think of the movie Dead Poets Society, if you haven’t seen it, do it, it’s amazing!) Okay, back on to the topic, this doesn’t mean recklessly pursuing fleeting pleasures but making deliberate and meaningful choices in our lives. It involves recognizing the inner refulgence within us – the radiant and unique qualities that make us who we are. By understanding our inner selves and acknowledging the finiteness of time, we can make the most of our lives and contribute positively to the world.

Practical Ways To Apply Carpe Diem In Your Life:

Set Meaningful Goals: Identify what truly matters to you and set meaningful, achievable goals. Whether it’s personal growth, career aspirations, or strengthening relationships, setting goals will help you make the most of your time. I like to use the S.M.A.R.T. goal-setting framework for setting goals. Write down what you are aiming to achieve in life whether it’s as simple as starting a gym routine or completing school, set that goal and use it to motivate you every day to accomplish it.
Practice Mindfulness: Embrace the present moment through mindfulness meditation and self-reflection. By staying present, you can perceive your inner refulgence and appreciate the beauty of each moment. This may be a more esoteric practice to add to your routine. Remember there is no wrong or right way to practice mindfulness and it will be different for everyone. Perhaps it’s setting some time in the morning for journaling, or while drinking your coffee, or I like to sit quietly early in the day without any distraction for 20 minutes this helps me process thoughts and refocus on my vision.
Take Action: Consciously break the habit of procrastination. Start with small steps, and gradually build your capacity to act on your intentions in a timely manner. Don’t get lost in the details, and don’t let perfection be the enemy of progress, just get started!
Live with Gratitude: Cultivate gratitude for the grace periods you’ve been granted. Recognize the opportunities you have and the moments that make your life special. Often gratitude will come up during my morning quiet time.
Accept Impermanence: Embrace the impermanence of life, understanding that this is what makes every moment precious. The knowledge that time is limited can drive us to make the most of it. When you think about it we have a limited time in this life (approximately 80 summers). I love this memento mori calender from The Daily Stoic as a helpful tool. The time is now to Seize the Day.

Conclusion

In a world filled with distractions and a never-ending rush, Marcus Aurelius’s and stoic wisdom encourages us to pause and reflect on our lives. It serves as a reminder that each day is a gift, an opportunity to grow, connect, and make a positive impact on the world. So, let’s seize the day, and in doing so, we’ll discover the inner brilliance that Marcus speaks of, making our lives richer, more meaningful, and purposeful. Carpe diem!