It’s easy to get caught up in pursuing more of everything we enjoy, but moderation is a surer path to a happy and meaningful life. I’ve recently been exploring the works of Aristotle, and to be honest, I’m not sure how that whole thing started! I think the seed was planted during a Greek Myths learning block that my daughter had. Philosophy and humanities studies have always caught my attention, as well as creating a life of balance. And so, I bring to you this blog post! We can learn a lot from Aristotle and find many practical ways to achieve balance in our lives.
One of Aristotle’s teachings is that virtue is a habit, and that it’s something we practice continually. We must develop the habit of moderation to lead a successful life. It’s not about constantly having too much of something, but instead striving for a balanced lifestyle. This is where Aristotle’s principles come in: finding a ‘mean’ between two extremes and bringing about a sense of harmony in our lives.
We are all open to Aristotle’s teachings, no matter who we are. Regardless of gender, age or background, we can all benefit from his ancient wisdom. He offers us different ways to find balance and make the most of our lives. Integrating his ancient knowledge into our modern day lives can be tricky but we can use it to our advantage.
By setting reasonable goals and sticking to them, you can create an environment for steady, sustainable progress that leads to true fulfillment. A great way to ensure that you don’t take on too much at once is to focus on one goal at a time and work intentionally toward achieving it. This gives you a chance to reflect on the progress you’ve made, and helps you understand what works and what doesn’t. By taking the time to pause and plan, you can make sure your efforts yield the best results.
Let’s dive in. Here are some general principles of moderation:
Study some of Aristotle’s work.
You can read the entire Nicomachean Ethics or pick up a quick study guide. You’ll see how virtue comes from steering a middle path between excess and deficiency. It’s really neat to explore the mind of a philosopher that lived so long ago! And in our present world of excess, we can see how seeking moderation in all things pays off.
By exploring this ancient wisdom, you can discover invaluable lessons that still apply today. Aristotle was wise beyond his years and his teachings offer us a unique perspective. He might not have experienced the same technology and material excesses that plague our world today, but it seems he anticipated the pitfalls of going too far.
We can all benefit from a dose of his moderation and fill our lives with more balance and harmony. So take the time to get to know this great thinker, and see how his writings can be applied to the modern world.
Mindfully cultivate good habits.
And here’s a little phrase you may find amusing – be moderate about moderation! Begin with simple daily choices which create a strong foundation. Maybe forego the second helping of dessert that is tempting your taste buds, or clear out one overly cluttered shelf at a time in your basement or garage. I’m speaking to myself here – the basement is my forever nemesis!
Small habits, when strung together, form powerful chains of progress. Building better habits can lead to a better way of life. Become a master of tiny tasks and let that mastery ripple outward to the world. The more discipline you have in mastering the small stuff, the more successful you will be in other aspects of life.
This is true of anything, from nutrition to emails to striking the perfect balance between work and play. Adopting an attitude of moderation will serve you well on the journey to becoming a better, more successful you.
Allow yourself to bend a little bit.
Moral evaluation has a tendency to get complicated! Keep your mind nice and open to finding new approaches to common dilemmas – such as those mostly inevitable conflicts with your in-laws, or the more mundane things like sticking to your budget. Seek feedback from others in your circle while you craft and create the solutions that work for you.
It’s important to remember that you can’t please everyone at once, but you can learn to break out of old habits and forge your own path. Start by challenging yourself to look at situations from a different perspective.
Ask yourself questions like “What if this wasn’t the way we’ve always done it?” or “Is there another way I could approach this situation?” Taking a step back and hearing different ideas will help you create fresh solutions. And this, my friend, will give you the confidence to create content that’s unique and effective.
Practice mindfulness, awareness, and gratitude.
Tune into the pleasures that already surround you. Slow down, and take the time in your day to appreciate the small things! We all know that time goes by much too quickly – it’s true what they say. Blink and you’ll miss it. Savor the aroma of your morning coffee while you listen to the harmonies of the birds as they welcome the dawn.
By taking the time to appreciate the little things in life, you can make each moment special. For example, when the sun is setting, take a few moments to appreciate the beauty of the sky. Sit with your friends or family and be present. Enjoy each moment as if it’s the last time you get to experience it. For more ideas, see my post on Ancient Methods to Still Your Wandering Mind.
Live in the moment, and allow yourself to be enveloped in the joy of simply being. It will leave you with a feeling of contentment that will last for hours. It’s so incredibly important not to take these moments for granted – they fill you up with love, joy, and gratitude, if you let them!
Learn a bit about how habituation works.
Our brains can get used to the same old stimulation and simply stop responding. This is a prime example of why the excitement over something new can dissipate so quickly! Good character and spiritual accomplishments will hold in your psyche, and last much longer.
It’s a lot like a diet. If you eat the same foods every day for a long time, you may stop noticing the flavors and your body will become accustomed to them. The same thing happens with mental stimulation. If you continue to feed yourself the same thoughts and messages, you’ll become less and less affected by them.
Of course this doesn’t mean you should be constantly striving for something new, but rather maintain an open mind and willingness to explore different things. This will help you break your habits and keep your brain lit up and engaged, ensuring that even the ‘same old messages’ will have an effect and impact on you!
Hold off on the instant gratification.
Putting off gratification is one of the most effective skills for success! Take some deep breaths and activate your patience. Try to relish in the feeling of anticipation. Remember, this is about the richness that can be found in the journey itself!
So rather than focusing solely on the outcome, take some time to enjoy the process. Be sure to celebrate the small wins along the way! Get yourself that pumpkin spice mocha. Re-frame the experience in your mind, viewing it as a challenge to push yourself further and streamline the skills you need to achieve your goals.
Building focus, resilience, and a renewed sense of dedication will help you to persist and triumph in the long run. Each milestone achieved gets you closer to your dream – and that strong sense of accomplishment that comes with it.
Indulge yourself, with no regrets!
Getting back to that pumpkin spice mocha. Temperance is different from denial. You can still have a good time and allow yourself the things you love. Just buy the one pair of shoes you really love instead of buying one in each color. Again, talking to myself here.
Life is about enjoying yourself, too! Don’t deny yourself the joys of life. That pumpkin spice mocha (or whatever your favorite indulgence may be) is a perfect way to treat yourself to some simple joys.
Knowing when to practice moderation is essential. It’s not about denying yourself, it’s about finding a healthy balance that is just the right balance for you.
Try to set a good example.
Along with making your own experiences more rewarding, moderation will help you become a better role model. Your kids will see how to live well and find true happiness. Naturally, you may need to explain what you’re doing if your newfound sense of moderation requires changing some old and comfortable house rules!
If you can demonstrate the positive effects of moderation, it could potentially have a ripple effect in your own family. Your children will discover the importance of balancing work and play, and learn how to be disciplined and responsible. And, if you’re a parent or grandparent, this newfound sense of moderation could be especially satisfying—they’ll appreciate the guidance and look up to you when it comes to making those difficult decisions.
So, reinforce your principles and those of moderation, and you’ll be lavishing them with valuable life lessons that if they don’t appreciate immediately, they will someday!
Ideas for Applying Moderation in Specific Circumstances
1. Trying to watch your diet? Go into it easy. Crash diets can undermine your health and many people gain back more weight than they lose in the first place. Aim for a nutritious eating plan that fits your lifestyle.
Instead of focusing strictly on cutting calories, look to add healthy options to your meals. Try to include more plant-based proteins, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and foods rich in fibre. Eating healthily is all about incorporating more nutritious ingredients while still enjoying tasty meals.
Use spices and herbs as a substitute for adding salt and sugar. Eating a balanced diet with adequate nutrients can help you better control your cravings, so you won’t be tempted to reach for junk food. I have a post here on Meditation for Finding Balance with Food and Exercise.
2. Enrich and nurture your friendships. You can be a good friend by acting generously and respectfully towards others while still fulfilling your own needs. Finding this balance will promote true harmony.
One way to be a great friend is to practice active listening. This means showing genuine interest in what someone has to say and paying close attention to their words. By being a compassionate and attentive listener, you show your friends that their thoughts and feelings truly matter to you. This kind of connection builds trust and encourages meaningful conversations.
Openly expressing your own feelings helps to create a bond of trust with those around you. When you speak honestly about your personal experiences, you can help your friends understand you better, allowing them to provide valuable support.
3. Improve your love life. If you are seeking a partner, take your time and enjoy the journey while being true to your core values. We all know that crushes usually fizzle out quickly. Try not to lose sight of your existing obligations and social circle while you see where a new love interest may lead.
On the other hand, if you’re already in a relationship, look for ways to add extra fun and spice to your time together. Be sure to make plenty of quality time for your partner — it’s always good to show your appreciation for them! It keeps the spark alive.
Keep an open dialogue with them about what you each need from the relationship. Listening is key when it comes to any connection, and it can help to bridge any misunderstandings and strengthen the bond between the two of you.
4. Manage your money. Sound financial planning will enable you to spend, save and invest according to your own personal income level and net worth. Economic security can increase your options in life and work wonders for your peace of mind.
When it comes to managing your money, it pays to understand the most effective strategies. Make sure you are aware of the different options available to you. Investing in stocks can be a great way to increase your wealth, but if you’re looking for a more conservative approach, then building a savings account and contributing regularly to a retirement fund may be the ideal situation for you.
Develop a plan for yourself that works towards achieving your financial goals, and then review your progress at regular intervals. Achieving a sense of financial security is important for your overall well being, so don’t forget to make it a priority!
5. Take risks. Getting ahead often means venturing beyond our comfortable boundaries. A careful assessment of risks and benefits will help protect you from rash decisions or missed opportunities.
Finding moderation in the taking of risks also involves learning from past experiences and using them as stepping stones for future endeavors. It’s about taking calculated risks that align with our long-term goals and values, rather than blindly jumping into every opportunity that comes our way. By learning from both successes and failures, we gain wisdom and insight that guides us towards finding the right balance between caution and adventure.
Finding moderation in the taking of risks is about embracing the excitement and thrill of pushing boundaries while also being mindful of our limitations. It’s about harnessing the energy of risk-taking to fuel personal growth and achieve our dreams!
6. Limit your time online. Of course, Aristotle fails to mention the Internet. Use your leisure time to grow closer to family and friends and expand your education by switching off the TV sitcoms and setting time limits on video games and web surfing.
By limiting your time online, you create space for personal growth and self-discovery. Suddenly, you have more time to read books, learn new skills, or even start that side hustle you’ve been dreaming about. The possibilities are endless!
But it’s not just about what you gain; it’s also about what you avoid. We all know that spending too much time online can lead to feelings of comparison, jealousy, and even anxiety. Who needs that? By setting boundaries and finding moderation, you protect your mental health and well-being. You become more in tune with yourself and your surroundings, allowing you to appreciate the little things in life that truly matter.
7. Develop positive self esteem. A healthy sense of self keeps excessive vanity or modesty in check. Celebrate your achievements while you acknowledge how much you still have yet to learn.
Moderation in developing self-esteem means striking a healthy balance between self-acceptance and self-improvement. It means accepting ourselves as we are, with all our flaws and imperfections, while also striving to become the best version of ourselves. It involves setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories along the way, rather than constantly seeking validation from external sources.
Finding moderation in developing self-esteem also means embracing humility. It is about recognizing that we are not superior or inferior to others, but rather unique individuals with our own strengths and weaknesses. This understanding allows us to appreciate and respect others without feeling threatened by their accomplishments. It enables us to collaborate and learn from others, fostering growth and personal development.
So let’s wrap this up.
Avoiding extremes is solid advice for all our daily activities. Practicing moderation will not only help you to better enjoy your current blessings, but you will make more space to welcome more of the things you want into your life.
Developing moderation as a habit is key to creating a long-lasting, successful lifestyle. Making small changes and taking incremental steps towards achieving your goals is the best approach. To make progress while still holding onto your inner balance, establish a plan and break it down into manageable chunks. Allowing yourself to take baby steps to reach your ultimate destination will help you avoid burnout and stay motivated.
As you move forward, keep in mind that the journey is just as important as the destination. Celebrate your wins and don’t give up. So stick with it, my friend! When you practice moderation, it will pay off in terms of your mental and physical health, and will help you to achieve your desired outcomes.
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