Showing Zealous Care #1971

In our last several +1s, we’ve been spending time with Professor John Hale, exploring wisdom from his great book called Lords of the Sea.

Today we’re going to chat about another Big Idea from his great book then we’ll wrap up the trip to ancient Athens in our next +1.

Let’s get to work…

Hale tells us: “As he had done so often over the previous decade, Demosthenes addressed the Assembly… ‘While the ship is still safe and sound—that is when the mariner and steersman and the rest must show their zealous care for it, so that it may not be overturned by sabotage or by accident. Once the sea overwhelms the ship, care comes too late.’”

Now…

As you probably know, Demosthenes (pronounced “dih-MAHS-thuh-neez”) was one of the greatest orators (and leaders!) of ancient Greece.

His story is Heroic.

He learned how to speak powerfully (while overcoming a speech impediment!) so he could defend himself in court after his uncles stole his inheritance.

Pretty much the definition of antifragility.

That wisdom he shared 2,500 years ago reminds me of some modern wisdom from John F. Kennedy who once said: “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.”

It also reminds me of Peter Attia’s wisdom in Outlive.

He tells us that if we want to increase our lifespan (how long we live!) AND our healthspan (how long we feel great!), we need to do it RIGHT NOW (!) while we’re still relatively young and healthy.

That’s Today’s +1.

Just like those ancient mariners, we need to remember that it’s a LOT easier to prevent disease than to heal it.

With that in mind…

What’s ONE (!) thing YOU (!) can do to take care of YOUR ship?

More specifically…

What’s ONE thing you know you can START doing that would most improve your life?

Got it? Awesome.

And…

What’s ONE thing you know you can STOP doing that, if you STOPPED doing it, would most improve your life?

Got it? Awesome.

Now go dominate it.

All day.

Every day.

Especially…

TODAY.