How much suffering do we create by worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet?

In Book Seven of Meditations, Marcus Aurelius gives himself a collection of reminders for staying grounded when life becomes difficult. Don’t suffer the future before it arrives. Don’t let someone else’s behavior change your character. And don’t confuse being noticed with living well.

In this episode, I explore three lessons that stood out to me: deal with tomorrow’s problems when tomorrow arrives, “keep your color” when circumstances change, and live a good life without needing an audience.

Marcus reminds us that preparation and worry are not the same thing. If there is something useful you can do about the future, do it. Otherwise, return to the present. And when difficulties eventually arrive—criticism, disappointment, pain, or failure—don’t allow them to decide what kind of person you become.

Perhaps the most useful question Marcus gives us is also one of the simplest: What are the acts that must be done by you?

Focus on what is yours to do. Do it well. Keep your character. No audience required.

Remember, the lessons are older than we are and just as relevant today.

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