One of the most significant Chinese philosophers is Confucius. He had left an immeasurable influence in East Asian intellectual and social history.
His theories based on subjects such as ethics and philosophies relating to personal, governmental morality, the correctness of social relationships, and justice among others.
Even though his ideas were ancient, they are still very relevant to today’s society. You will ultimately change your life for the best when you learn to follow them. Here are some of his teachings.
9 Lessons From Confucius That Will Change Your Life:
#1 Just keep moving
According to Confucius, one must keep moving on in his life’s journey. It is the only key to reach your destination while the destination might be very difficult to achieve than you think.
When you continue on persisting and never give up, you will attain your goals. Even though it may not be carved in stone, one day you will when you persist in moving on.
#2 Be in good company
The people you spend your time with can influence your thoughts and behaviors. So you need to consider the people you are surrounded with.
You can make a positive, social circle by having the right friends who care for you and you for them as they involve in your development and happiness.
#3 Cultivate patience
As we all know, good things take time to happen. You can prevent yourself from succumbing to the temptations of negativity by cultivating patience.
Patience is a virtue that honors your ability to keep a good attitude while waiting. You have it and also have the right attitude once you acquire the good thing that you wait for so long.
#4 Let go of the wrongs
Confucius said, “To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.” You may have struggled with setbacks and heartbreaks in life like everyone. When you remembering the evils of your life, it will make you stuck in life and will prevent you from living your best life.
You can conquer it by seeing the wisdom it brings instead of seeing the wrongs done to you as negative. The thing that you’ve lost might be taken away from you as it was not meant for you.
You should let go of the wrongs and move forward while achieving your goals.
#5 Watch your anger
Confucius said, “When anger rises, think of the consequences.” Anger will lead you to quickly do terrible things that you will soon regret if left unchecked.
When you get angry, take a step back, and remember this 5-5-5 rule. Ask yourself, will it matter in 5 minutes? Will it matter in 5 days? Will it matter in 5 years? You better move on if you find the answer as no. If not, take deep breathes and act a measured response only when you are sure your anger has subsided a bit.
#6 Be open to adjustments
Sometimes life does not follow a linear pattern. According to Confucius you should not change your goals but change your plan of action if you can’t seem to attain your goals.
Just like a sailor who constantly adjusts his sails in response to the winds that he has no control over you have to learn to make certain adjustments in life.
When your plans fail, never give up as it may take time to adjust. But, when it’s the only way to achieve your dreams it’s worth it.
#7 Everyone is your teacher
Confucius said, “If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them and bad points of the other and correct them in myself.”
People carry certain lessons that are helpful in your development, no matter how lowly or highly a person appears to be. When someone comes along, ask what the other person can teach you, or you may also ask yourself what you can teach to the other person.
#8 All or nothing
Confucius said, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”
Go with all your being, wherever life takes you. Put your heart, mind, body, and soul in whatever you do. Everyone can notice your passion and energy when you put all in. You can even change the world.
#9 It pays to sharpen your tools
Confucius said, “The mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.”
The key in all undertakings is preparation. One could not perceive success with inadequate means.
You must put in a lot of hard work to achieve success in life as greatness does not come easily.