How Small You Are
Jun 04, 2025
Photo by Lanju Fotografie on Unsplash
The Limitless Leader is aware that in the scheme of things they represent a small fraction of what has occurred. They understand that if the existence of the world to date equates to 24 hours, their impact in it is not more than one second. In this one second, the Limitless Leader attempts to achieve as much as they can and yet they must remember how small they are.
Imagine yourself the Emperor of Rome with the ultimate power to decide the faith of anyone in the Empire. It would be easy to dismiss those who disagree with you, those who gossip about you and those who plot against you. After all you can literally order their swift execution or immediate imprisonment. And yet, Marcus Aurelius reminds himself to not waste time in thinking about what others think, do or scheme. The Limitless Leader aims to not give too much importance to the trivial machinations that do not serve their primary purpose.
“Don’t waste what remains of your life thinking about other people, unless you do so with reference to the welfare of the sate – I mean wondering what so-and-so is doing and why, or what they’re saying or what they are thinking, what their designs are, and so on, which distract you from paying attention to your own command center.”
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations – 3.4.10
translated by Robin Waterfield
The lessons imparted from this Limitless Leader almost 2000 years ago still ring true today. How often do we wonder about other’s perception, office chat and office politics that do not affect the welfare of the enterprise. Marcus Aurelius’ reflection reminds us that leadership of self is essential in our Journey of Limitless Leadership.
When you look further into the past, 600 years before Marcus Aurelius, the same advice was bestowed upon all Limitless Leaders. Giving too much time to the opinions or machinations of others detracts the Limitless Leader from their center.
Favour lifts you up; disgrace knocks you down. Either one depends on the opinions of others and causes you to depart from your center.
Lao Tzu – Chapter 13
Tao Te Ching
translated by Brian Browne Walker
So why waste time to think about the future actions of others, to try to guess their intents or thoughts. It is best to concentrate on actions that will help the Limitless Leader achieve their purpose.
3 Ways The Limitless Leader ignores
- Have a written purpose and values document for referral
- Journal and write down notes to allow you to not react emotionally
- Discuss with your accountability partner or coach
LIMITLESS LEADER
TITO KANG
