I’ve been reading a bit of Stoic philosophy recently, partly inspired by reading about it and the relevance to entrepreneurs, by people like Tim Ferris. (I’ve also finally ordered Tim’s latest book, The 4-Hour Chef, and as it was on sale as a Kindle edition, picked up Tao Te Ching to find out more about Taoism).

One Stoic quote now sits in front of my desk

“Today I escaped from anxiety. Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perceptions—not outside.”

But it’s also handy for re-framing my laziness. For instance, one piece of Stoic advice is to go out once a month in your worst clothes, to experience the potential embarrassment etc, and realise that it’s not that bad.

That’s a far more noble excuse than the fact I’ve simply forgotten to do my laundry for a few days.