Principle 01 · from the Enchiridion
Control what you can
Focus on the choices you can make. You can prepare and act carefully without being able to guarantee the result.
Source passage (English)
The passage is shown in English. The explanation and example below are modern interpretations for this site.
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.
What this means
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. We can work toward it while also considering whether our next step is fair and useful.
This distinction is useful when effort turns into repeated attempts to secure an answer. Ask which action is available now and which part needs another person's decision. Even your ability to act has limits, so doing your part may include resting, asking for help, or changing the plan.
An everyday example
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?