Philosophers have examined the mysteries and meaning of life since Plato's prisoner left the cave or Chuang Tzu's carpenter contemplated the gnarled tree. The application of contemporary issues to classic philosophy keeps things interesting, and the wisdom of the sages can speak to relevant issues of our time.
Epictetus (pictured here) was one of a handful of Greek philosophers that followed the school of Stoicism. Stoic philosophers believed that individuals should focus on what they can control and accept the things they cannot. Stoicism emphasizes developing inner strength, virtue, and a calm and rational mindset in the face of adversity. Stoics advocate for living in accordance with nature, practicing self-discipline, and cultivating a sense of tranquility by detaching oneself from external circumstances and desires. The ultimate goal of Stoicism is to attain inner peace and live a virtuous life in harmony with the natural order of the universe. At it's core, Stoicism shares the same value system as the eastern philosophy of Taoism.
In Taoism the Tao te Ching is considered the original Taoist classic, and the Chuang Tzu an interpretation of Taoism in practice. Similarly, Epictetus was followed by his disciple Arrian in the 2nd century who wrote the Enchiridion of Epictetus. Enchiridion is the Greek word for handbook, so you literally have the Handbook of Epictetus. From the opening paragraph of the Enchiridion:
Of all existing things some are in our power, and others are not in our power. In our power are thought, impulse, will to get and will to avoid, and, in a word, everything which is our own doing. Things not in our power include the body, property, reputation, office, and, in a word, everything which is not our own doing. Things in our power are by nature free, unhindered, untrammeled; things not in our power are weak, servile, subject to hindrance, dependent on others. Remember then that if you imagine that what is naturally slavish is free, and what is naturally another's is your own, you will be hampered, you will mourn, you will be put to confusion, you will blame gods and men; but if you think that only your own belongs to you, and that what is another's is indeed another's, no one will ever put compulsion or hindrance on you, you will blame none, you will accuse none, you will do nothing against your will, no one will harm you, you will have no enemy, for no harm can touch you.
Considering your career goals, how much of it is within your control, and how much relies on others? Is it a realistic if you are waiting for someone to just acknowledge your potential and give you that break? Alternatively, are you stuck trying to figure out what the next steps in your career path will be?
Recognizing what is not in our control requires self-awareness and understanding of the boundaries of our influence. Part of that is determining whether your actions or decisions have a significant impact on the outcome. Your application and resume may be perfect, but others are doing the actual hiring. Getting that break depends largely on the actions, decisions, or circumstances of others over which you have no direct control. Even in the best case scenario where you feel confident in your chances, certain events or circumstances are inherently uncertain and unpredictable.
Finally, if you find yourself feeling frustrated, anxious, or stressed about a particular situation, it may indicate that you are grappling with something beyond your control. Accepting our emotional response can be a clue that we need to let go and focus on what we can control. Remember that recognizing what is out of our control does not mean being passive or disengaged. It simply allows us to shift our focus and energy towards the aspects of our decisions where we can make a positive impact. Doing, not wishing, will make it so.