The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” – Marcus Aurelius
“The impediment to action advances action” suggests that obstacles or difficulties that we view as setbacks to taking action can actually help us progress if we only shift our perspective. When we encounter challenges, they can serve as catalysts for growth and development if we are open to viewing them as such. Instead of viewing obstacles as barriers that serve to only prevent us from progressing forward and forming new habits, we can reframe our thoughts to view these setbacks as opportunities to learn, adapt, and find alternative paths towards accomplishing our goals.
“What stands in the way becomes the way” emphasizes the idea that the very thing that appears to be blocking our progress can, in fact, be transformed into the means to actually achieve our objectives. By reframing our thoughts, obstacles can be viewed and accepted as a necessary part of the process, and when we see them as opportunities for growth, we can find creative solutions, develop resilience, and overcome difficulties to establish the habits that will lead to the growth we are gifted through overcoming.
This quote is an excellent reminder to: train your mind. Written by one of my personal favorite philosophers, Marcus Aurelius, it encourages individuals to approach obstacles with a positive perspective, viewing them as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. By embracing challenges and viewing them as integral to the process, we can cultivate a greater sense of determination, perseverance, and adaptability, leading to more successful habit formation.
Conscious habit formation is crucial to life. The things that regularly account for your time are the habits that make up your life. Where are your habits leading you?