Sometimes the best advice comes from thousands of years ago.

These ancient scribes have a lot to say about how we should live and do business in 2017.

“What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.”
– Greek Philosopher Plutarch

This was a hard lesson for me to learn. When I was unemployed and depressed, the whole world seemed dark and impossible. Tired of going nowhere, I decided to liberate my mind and began to believe that I could actually get myself out of my poverty. I went from feeling sorry for myself to taking bold action. It worked. We all have the power to make our attitude and thoughts change our world.

“No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.”
– French philosopher and writer Voltaire

How easily we become discouraged in today’s world of distraction. And, how little faith we have in our own abilities. Relax your mind and the subconscious will feed you solutions.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”
– Greek philosopher Plato

We tend to believe that our problems are much worse than those experienced by other people. But the truth is we’re all struggling with something. You can change lives, and build your personal brand, by treating others as you yourself would like to be treated.

“Silence is one of the great arts of conversation.”
– Roman philosopher, lawyer and politician Marcus Cicero

I will never forget the first conversation I had with a client who today, is my largest and most profitable customer. Following the chat, she said to me: “This has been a wonderful exchange. Thanks so much.” I had barely said a word.

“Life is simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
– Chinese philosopher Confucius

In today’s ever increasingly complex world, people are starving for simple ideas, solutions and methods. Find a way to break down complex issues into digestible and easily understood messages and watch your career soar.

“To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”
– Greek philosopher Aristotle

None of us wants to be criticized. We yearn for “likes” on social media. If nobody criticizes you, you haven’t been noticed.

“They went out and happened to things.”
– Roman inventor and sculptor Leonardo Da Vinci

Here, da Vinci is referring to people of accomplishment. These are people who do not wait for things to happen. Instead, they “happen to things.”

“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles.”
– Buddha

It’s not the outside world we need to fight. It’s not other people. It’s not our boss, our friends, our family or even people we dislike. It’s us. We cannot control the outside but we can control ourselves. How we react to things in the office or at home is the key to balance and peace. Always pause before reacting. Train and tame yourself.

Have a great 2017!