09 6 ways to deep focus, evening rituals, and self-exile

No. 9 – 3 February 2023

Welcome to the 9th edition of 4-TP, a weekly newsletter with the actionable insights you need.

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TPL Article

The most precious commodity you have is not money and no longer time—it's deep focus.

— Read more​

Insight

Seneca, on examining the conscience of the day:

“Every day, we must call upon our soul to give an account of itself. This is what Sextius did. When the day was over and he had withdrawn to his room for his nightly rest, he questioned his soul: ‘What evils have you cured yourself of today? What vices have you fought? In what sense are you better?’ Is there anything better than to examine a whole day’s conduct? What a good sleep follows the examination of one’s self!”

Micro Thought

We tend to focus on the negative and on things we can't change.

The Stoics differentiated between what we can and can't control as a way to achieve inner peace. What's under our control includes our intent and actions. What's not includes things like death, health, and fame. Internalizing this distinction and applying it was key.

When we combine this with the power of emotion skills, it teaches us that we have to feel our emotions and dwell a bit.
But then we have to move on and focus on what we can do to make the best of it. To turn a misfortune into opportunity. Only then can we reach a level of inner satisfaction.

Question

Are you being too hard on yourself? Our job, parenting responsibilities, social demands, nutrition, physical and mental health. And often concerned with whether we're doing enough or doing it right. When was the last time you paused, went into exile, reclused yourself, and reflected on your achievements?

Till next week,
— Carlos & Stef