Rule #52 Don't Worry About Your Reputation

The Stoics believed reputation was in that category of life beyond our control. After all, it is others who will determine how you are thought of not you. The only thing you can control is your actions. Granted certain actions you take will shape the opinions of others. But they are just that-the opinions of others.

In James Stockdale’s, “Courage Under Fire,” he discusses how life is a game much like any other game played with a ball. The ball is your life. There is one goal. Get the ball across the goal line. Get the ball in the basket. Hit the ball over the wall. Score!

What is more remembered, how the running back looked when he scored the touchdown or whether or not the team won? And what happens with the ball after the game is played? Nothing. It’s now of no use. It’s only useful when the players are engaged in the game.

Be engaged. While you have to ball run and run well. Your life will end, but the game you played will be remembered.

You Rule!

Jason