Reflect on the powerful lesson from December 25, 1776, as George Washington faced immense challenges during the American Revolution. Instead of assigning blame for setbacks, he focused on how to respond effectively. This proactive mindset emphasizes prioritizing action over reflection on past misfortunes. As the New Year approaches, take inspiration from Washington to craft bold resolutions that embrace challenges rather than dwell on negativity. Choose your response wisely and shape your future!
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Washington's Delaware Crossing
During the American Revolution, George Washington faced a dire situation in December 1776.
Instead of dwelling on past failures, he focused on his next move, a daring attack across the Delaware River.
insights INSIGHT
Stoic Mindset
Washington's focus on action reflects Stoic philosophy.
Stoicism emphasizes responding constructively to adversity rather than dwelling on the past.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Focus on Response, Not Blame
Stop focusing on the causes of your problems or assigning blame.
Concentrate on your response and how you will fix the situation.
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It was December 25th, 1776. One of the darkest times in the American Revolution. George Washington was planning to cross the Delaware, a desperate move necessitated by a string of setbacks and ebbing support for the revolution across his struggling country.
Whose fault was this despair? How had things gone so poorly?
Washington wasn’t interested in those questions. As he wrote in a letter to Robert Morris from his headquarters that day, “it is in vain to ruminate upon, or even reflect upon the Authors or Causes of our present Misfortunes.” Instead of looking backwards, Washington said, “we should rather exert ourselves,” meaning they should focus on how they were going to respond. His response was a daring attack on the Hessian Troops in Trenton the next day, which may well have saved his army and the floundering nation.
This mindset is part and parcel of the Stoicism that Washington had known and followed all of his life. Looking at events in the calm light of mild philosophy, as he liked to quote from the Stoic philosopher Cato, deciding not to be ruled by his phantasai and instead focusing on what he’d do next. And that’s what we should take a minute to think about this Christmas, whether we’re busy working or taking some time with family or planning out how we’re going to use 2020 for a fresh start.
Not what caused our troubles. Not who authored them. Not how much blame they deserve. Those questions are irrelevant distractions—answering them an exercise done only in vain. What matters is how we plan to exert ourselves, how we plan to fix our situation, how we plan to respond to what life has thrown at us. Whether it’s a passive aggressive family member, a struggling business, or a series of bad personal choices, we have the power to decide what we’re going to do next.
The Daily Stoic