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In a distracted world, Marcus Aurelius's advice on focus is more relevant than ever. He advised performing each task 'with precise and genuine seriousness... and as if it were the last of your life. ' This wasn't about morbid obsession, but about eliminating the superfluous and giving one's full attention to the present duty. He recognized that much of what we do and say is unnecessary, and that by cutting it out, we gain time and tranquility. Aurelius teaches the art of essentialism: asking 'Is this necessary? ' and channeling all energy into what truly matters.
"Limit time devoted to public affairs and to being absorbed in the cares of others."
"From my tutor, to be neither of the green nor of the blue party at the games in the Circus, nor a partizan either of the Parmularius or the Scutarius at the gladiators' fights."
"How much time he gains who does not look to see what his neighbour says or does or thinks, but only at what he does himself."
"Stick to what's in front of you—idea, action, utterance."
"Are you distracted by outward things? Then make for yourself a leisure to learn something good, and cease being carried about."
"Do every act of your life as if it were your last."
"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."
"From Diognetus, not to busy myself about trifling things, and not to give credit to what was said by miracle-workers and jugglers."
"Do not waste what remains of your life in speculating about your neighbors. Anything that distracts you from fidelity to the ruler within you means a loss of opportunity."
"To live a good life: We have the potential for it. If we can learn to be indifferent to what makes no difference."
"Limit yourself to the present."
"Concentrate every minute like a Roman—like a man—on doing what’s in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness, tenderly, willingly, with justice."
"Confine yourself to the present."
"How much time he gains who does not look to see what his neighbor says or does or thinks, but only at what he does himself, to make it just and holy."
"The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts."
"Do every act of your life as though it were the very last act of your life."
"Stop wandering about! You aren't likely to read your own notebooks, or ancient histories, or the anthologies you've collected."
Seeing how Marcus Aurelius approaches Focus helps you apply the idea with more precision.
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