☀️ Stoic Morning Minute: Essentialism

Less but better

Author

Jon High
February 12, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute

❝

If you seek tranquility, do less. Or more accurately, do what's essential.

Marcus Aurelius

💭 Modern Translation

Your todo list is getting longer, not shorter. Each completed task spawns three more. You're drowning in "productivity," but feeling less productive than ever. Here's the thing: The Stoics knew that doing more wasn't the answer. Doing what matters is.

⚡️ Your Move

Before you start your day, ask yourself: "If I could only accomplish one thing today that would make me feel satisfied when I go to bed tonight, what would it be?" Write it down. Do that first. Everything else is bonus points.

(Pro tip: Notice how this shifts you from "getting things done" to "doing things that matter." Big difference.)

Here’s to the essential,

Jon