Beyond the Build

Continuing Education

Maybe I’m a Stoic

I am wondering: What if we approached our jobs and what we do every day a bit more like the Stoics? 

To summarize Wikipedia, these ancients thought that happiness comes from accepting our lot in life and consequently, enjoying what we do. (Well, at least most days.) To me, this means not allowing too much push or pull to get in our way from outside influences or influencers. Maybe, if we don’t allow ourselves to be controlled by too much desire for pleasure or our fear of pain, our minds can understand the world around us a bit more. Having said this, I think it’s all about working together and treating others in a fair and just manner, being in the present as we move along.

We often associate Stoicism with being rigid, stern and keeping a stiff upper lip, but it seems to me that checking in with the “the view from above” from time to time gives a much needed dose of perspective on how things are going.

It’s all about balance.

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Merrill Stewart Jr.

Merrill Stewart is Founder and CEO of The Stewart/Perry Company, a commercial building contractor based in Birmingham.