Achieve Victory in Your Morning Routine!
Marcus Aurelius, the renowned Roman Emperor and philosopher, emphasised the importance of early rising, self-discipline, and daily success in his famous work, the *Meditations*. In particular, Book 5 contains a famous quote that resonates with many: "At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: ‘I have to go to work—as a human being.’"
This quote encapsulates the Stoic ideal that one must conquer comfort and inertia each morning to fulfil their duties to society and themselves. The significance of winning the morning lies in establishing discipline through habit, which the Stoics, including Marcus Aurelius, saw as key to order and purpose in life.
Beginning the day with reflection on mortality and one’s responsibilities aligns the mind with reality and primes it for meaningful action rather than indulgence in comfort. The morning, therefore, is not just a time but a psychological and philosophical threshold. Rising early symbolises conquering weakness and aligning with nature’s call to duty. It is the first act of daily success, setting the tone for clear judgment, persistence, and integrity throughout the day.
Marcus Aurelius's commitment to rising early was a testament to his dedication and discipline, even though he held the position of emperor. He understood the concept of "the early bird gets the worm," even though the phrase was not used at the time. Despite his struggles with morning motivation, he pushed himself to do difficult tasks and committed to his duties and passions.
The practice of winning the morning is about exercising self-control and embracing one’s role in the larger human community. This practice is a cornerstone of Stoic self-discipline that fosters resilience, clarity, and a consistent commitment to virtue and purpose.
In contrast to some of his predecessors, Marcus Aurelius did not abandon his duties as emperor. He chose to rise early and work, setting a precedent for those who follow in his footsteps. The author encourages readers to adopt this practice, to get started on their tasks and to make the most of each day. Proper nourishment is also important for maintaining good habits and ensuring daily success.
References: [1] Marcus Aurelius, *Meditations*, Book 5 [2] Irvine, B., (2008) The Unfolding of the Stoic Tradition. Oxford University Press. [3] Long, A. A., & Sedley, D. N., (2002) The Hellenistic Philosophers. Cambridge University Press.
Embracing the practice of rising early, as advocated by Marcus Aurelius, aligns with the education-and-self-development of setting personal growth goals. This mindfulness towards conquering comfort each morning fosters the self-discipline required for goal-setting and promotes daily success.
Adopting the Stoic ideal of winning the morning, by rising early and embracing one's role in the human community, ensures clarity, resilience, and a consistent commitment to purpose – key elements of a meaningful and successful life.
