Age_Quod_Agis

I realize reciting the Latin language may conjure up painful memories of declensions and “pluperfect” tenses that summon us back to those awkward high school years.  But despite the negative connotations that could propel many of us into rigor mortis, Latin has provided us with the foundation for our English language and the simplest yet most profound mottos in modern American life.  Carpe diem.  E. Pluribus Unum.  Semper Fidelis!  But St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit Order, offered advice with perhaps the most powerful Latin phrase for the Resilient Worker:  Age Quod Agis.  Literally translated, it is “Do what you are doing”.  But practically, it is encouragement to keep going and focus on the task at hand.  In this hectic, turbo-charged modern world, it is easy to become distracted, frustrated and confused by the many roles we play in our life.  Focusing on the task at hand can help us stay balanced and ensure we do not get overwhelmed by our responsibilities.

When we are at work, concentrate on the responsibilities you have to your boss, your clients, your students, your teammates and your company.  You are a resilient worker, and your thoughts and energy should be solely dedicated to advancing the cause of your organization.  Your work can be incredibly gratifying and rewarding if you pour your soul into it and stay focused.  But when you leave your place of employment, also leave thoughts of work behind.  You are now a father, mother, husband, wife, son or daughter.  Concentrate on taking care of your family and the incredible joy and meaning that can provide in your life.  This will lead to a much more peaceful life on the home front.  Too often we are physically located in one area of our life, but mentally focused elsewhere.  How can we achieve maximum efficiency in our work life if we are constantly distracted by thoughts of financial pressure, child care duties, or marital concerns?  How can we connect and care for our family when we have so many unfinished tasks and constant demands at work?  It is not easy but we must realize that when we are in the office, that is our world.  When we are at home, that is our world.   We can achieve so much more satisfaction in our lives if we can maintain that distinction and that concentration.  Age quod agis.

But it is even more important to put this plan into practice when you experience a setback.  The loss of a job, a tactical mistake at work or at home, the ending of a relationship or a disconnect with your family can knock us on our heels.  Even worse, it can lead to depression and a loss of energy that further exacerbates a negative situation.  This is one of the few times in your life when it is okay to be self-focused.    Home projects and work projects can be temporarily put on hold until you recover.  Take the time to identify the issue immediately and address the problem.  Your team is rooting for you and needs you operating at full strength in order for the entire unit to function at a high capacity.  Get to the heart of the problem.  Realize that inaction is never the answer and keep moving forward.    The chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Don’t dwell on what went wrong.  Instead, focus on what to do next.  Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer. –Denis Waitley

While your inner circle will always be there for you, they need and expect you to come back stronger than ever.   And you owe it to yourself to do it as quickly as possible.    Do not dive under the covers and curl into a ball!   Draw on your inner strength.  Stay positive and do not make excuses.  Resiliency starts with focusing on the task at hand and taking an ACTIVE role in changing the course of your life.  You can overcome any obstacle.  You just need to keep age quod agis!

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to semper ubi sub ubi!

Until next week, keep smiling!