Self Mastery

Self Mastery

The most important principle I learned this week is self mastery. I have a few thoughts on it:

What is the hardest, and maybe, most important challenge that we will face in business and life? Probably that of conquering oneself.

Even Plato said: “The first and best victory is to conquer self; to be conquered by self is, of all things, the most shameful and vile.”

Human nature leads to excess and vice that destroy the individual and deteriorate society. The great battle of life is inside of us. It could be waking up early in the morning in order to work, it can be persevering in learning when we find ourselves ‘’on the plateau’’, it can be setting and respecting our own moral boundaries. The truth is that controlling the self is the first step for success, and one that will continue being developed through the entire life.

How can we do it?

Let me suggest a few tips for this:

Know your reasons. Ask yourself why you want to do something and set goals that motivate you. It is easier to wake up in the morning when you know why you want to do it.

Set moral security lines around you. Make a list of those boundaries that you will never cross.

Be accountable. Don’t set excuses, look for somebody to help you be accountable with yourself.

‘’Each day I examine myself on three counts: whether or not I am loyal to those in whose behalf I act; whether or not I am trustworthy in my dealings with friends; whether or not I practice what is imparted’’ Confucius