“Two words,” Epictetus says, “should be committed to memory and obeyed by alternatively exhorting and restraining ourselves, words that will ensure we lead a mainly blameless and untroubled life.” Those two words were ‘persist and resist.’

Today, we persist in our efforts—despite any obstacles we might face—and we resist naysayers, discouragement and distractions. We know that today is another day to face what we need to do—but without feeling rushed or worried. We know we are in it for the long haul. Others in our shoes might give up but we are in it for the long haul. Reminding ourselves of this makes it easier to resist all the noise. And to let us continue with our work.