Imagine what you could become if you did this...

Dear Stoic,

I know that you are always looking for ways to improve yourself. You read books, have a mentor, hit the gym, and have hobbies that you're passionate about. And let me tell you, it's all very impressive.

But, I have to ask, is it really? Are you truly focusing on the right things?

Marcus Aurelius, one of the most renowned Stoics of all time, was all for optimization and improvement. He had the best experts in his corner, just like many of you do today. He worked long hours, just like many of you do today.

But, he always made sure that all of his effort was pointed at the right goal.

It's so easy to get distracted or consumed by superficial improvements. We can become a better wrestler, a better speaker of rhetoric, a better writer, a bigger influencer, a better specialist, and so on.

But, as Marcus Aurelius said, does that really matter? No, it doesn't. What truly matters is becoming "a better citizen, a better person, a better resource in tight places, a better forgiver of faults."

All the time and money you've put into yourself is great, but if you're honest, isn't the vast majority of that directed at your career? Or your appearance? Or pleasure?

Imagine what you could become and how much better the world would be if you put that energy into true self-improvement, if you put it towards improving as a parent, as a neighbor, and as a citizen.

So, I challenge you to take a step back and evaluate your efforts. Are they truly directed at the right goal?

This is what Stoics do to become better citizens, better members of their tribe:

1. Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from people you trust and respect. Their perspective will help you identify areas where you can improve.

2. Practice empathy: Make an effort to understand and appreciate other people's perspectives. This will help you become a better listener and problem-solver.

3. Give back: Find ways to give back to your community. Volunteer your time or resources to help others. This will help you become a better citizen and a more compassionate person.

4. Reflect: Take time each day to reflect on your actions and decisions. Think about what you did well and what you could have done better. Use this reflection to make adjustments to your actions and goals.

Remember, true self-improvement is about becoming a better person, not just a better professional or athlete.

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Thanks for giving me your time this Tuesday.

Until next Tuesday...

Best, 

Abdu Khol