The Friday Morning Mood Swing: A Tale of Two Scenarios

You wake up on a Friday morning, and the first thing that pops into your mind is that you have a family function to attend in your native place the next day. The thought of a week-long break from college or office is like a breath of fresh air. You can't help but feel energized, happy, and cool knowing that you'll have ample time to relax and enjoy with your loved ones. It's like a mini-vacation from the daily grind.

But, let's flip the script. Imagine waking up to the harsh reality that you have an upcoming presentation or exam week ahead. The thought of sacrificing your weekend fun to prepare for it is like a punch to the gut. You'll be anxious, irritated, and worried about your performance. It's like being stuck in a never-ending cycle of stress and anxiety.

These mood swings can be a real emotional rollercoaster, affecting our ability to be present and focus on our work. It's a common phenomenon known as procrastination, where we put off our tasks and duties for a later date. Sound familiar?

So, what can we do about it? Stoicism offers a simple yet profound solution: "We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them. True happiness is... to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future." In other words, what we do now will determine our results in the future.

Take the example of someone who's unhappy with their body shape or weight. They might watch motivational videos of bodybuilders and imagine themselves in that state, but it's all just a pipe dream if they don't take action now. Joining a gym, working out, or starting a walking or jogging routine immediately is the only way to achieve their goals. Procrastination will only keep them stuck in the same place.

The key is to be in the present, do what needs to be done, even if it's hard and involves suffering. Don't worry about the results, and don't seek validation from others. Mainly, don't have any expectations of the outcome. Focus on giving your best, and the rest will fall into place.