Control what you can
Principle 1 from the Enchiridion
Knowing the difference helps us spend our energy where it can actually do something. Some things are ours to choose, while many others are not.
Original Passage
Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our own actions.
The things in our control are by nature free, unrestrained, unhindered; but those not in our control are weak, slavish, restrained, belonging to others.
Modern Interpretation
Epictetus starts with the line between what we control and what we do not. Our judgments, choices, and actions fall on our side of that line.
Much of what occupies our minds sits on the other side: reputation, money, other people's opinions, and the final outcome of our efforts. We may influence these things, but we cannot guarantee them. Treating them as if we can usually leaves us anxious and frustrated.
A better response is to bring our attention back to the part that is ours. The outcome still matters. It does not get to decide whether we can think clearly and act well.
In Practice
You are preparing for a job interview. You can research the company, practice your answers, and show up on time.
You cannot guarantee the decision. Another candidate may be a better fit, or the company may have reasons you never hear about.
So you do your part as well as you can. After the interview is over, the decision belongs to them. Waiting may still make you nervous, but you do not have to spend the week trying to control an answer that is no longer yours to give.
Reflection Question
What have you been trying to control lately, even though the outcome is not entirely up to you?