Wisdom Wednesday - The Archer and the Target 🎯

A Stoic parable often used by Epictetus tells of an archer aiming at a target. The archer has practiced diligently, ensuring their technique is flawless. They steady their bow, take aim, and release the arrow. However, whether the arrow hits the target or not is ultimately beyond the archer's control—wind, distance, or other factors could interfere.

Epictetus used this story to teach that we must focus on our actions and efforts, not on the outcomes, which are often influenced by external factors. The archer’s duty is to aim well and let go of the results with grace.

Takeaways:

✅ Focus on What You Can Control: In every endeavor, concentrate on your preparation, skills, and effort. The results—whether success or failure—often lie beyond your grasp.

✅ Detach from Outcomes: Remind yourself that while results are desirable, they do not define your worth or efforts. Shift your perspective to value the process instead.

✅ Embrace Resilience: If your arrow misses the target, adjust and aim again. Failure is feedback, not finality.

Actionable Exercise:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you focused too much on the outcome (e.g., a project, goal, or interaction).

2. Write down the aspects of the situation you could control and those you couldn’t.

3. Commit to focusing on what you can improve and letting go of the rest this week.

What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to letting go of outcomes? Share your thoughts below! 👇

🎯 Focusing too much on perfection or getting everything right.

🌬️ Struggling with factors outside of my control.

💭 Overthinking and worrying about what others might think.

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