“Self-conquest is the greatest of victories.”
– Plato
It has often been said that each of us is our own worst enemy. Especially during stressful times, this statement can become more true than in times of prosperity and ease. Stressful difficulties challenge us all. We wish they would go away because we do not want difficulties to darken our door, and yet, there are always times when they do.
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, it is during stressful moments we are able to discover our own darkest selves, our most depressing thoughts, and our tendencies toward giving up. Just as we look outward, hoping to externally conquer the difficulty we are facing, we also need to look inward, facing any darkness dwelling within. In this endeavor, Plato’s insight is most true – conquering the self is a great victory.
– Connie Popp
Dr. Connie Popp is a board member for The Center for Life Transitions as well as an active facilitator for the Center’s Life-SHIFT and Job Search Courage programs. She is also the Director of Campus Ministry at Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Read more.