Balancing Success and Inner Growth: A Roman Emperor’s Advice for Men

Balancing Success and Inner Growth: A Roman Emperor’s Advice for Men

Success, success, and never-ending success. We know all about it. It needs no further introduction. Still, we are getting it wrong. Increasingly, men question the relentless pursuit of external success and whether it’s making them truly fulfilled. At first sight, success is a beautiful mix of career milestones, financial status, the beautiful partner, and social recognition. Up close, we realize we are missing vital components of a fulfilling life. Here’s what a Roman Emperor would whisper to men today.

Yes, women tend to prioritize emotional well-being, and men may struggle because of societal norms, gender roles, and biases. Here’s what we can do about it. 

Consider two men in their early 40s. Both have success in their hands and are well-regarded. The first man spends his time chasing promotions and expanding his network. He’s driven, but success gets heavier and heavier. He gets worn down, exhausted, and has an unsettling feeling that something is missing.

The second man, while equally successful, also holds inner strength in the other hand. What is this man doing, and what makes him stronger than success? How can we get there?

Many traditions and great minds recommend meditation, mindfulness and I would add that keeping personal development close to our everyday existence is also effective. Therefore, try a simple daily reflection.

Each evening, ask yourself, “Did I act in line with what matters most to me?”

This question, inspired by Marcus Aurelius—the Roman emperor who, even while leading armies in battle, took time to ponder inner growth and master his own thoughts—helps you stay connected to your core principles and notice when your actions stray from them. I thank the emperor for writing down his insightful words, in between battles, to help us grow.

Let’s remember that our happiness is highly related to our relationships, particularly in how we handle tough conversations. Being open and honest, even when it’s uncomfortable, builds emotional strength and deepens connections. For every tough, but insightful, conversation comes increased emotional growth.

It’s easy to lose ourselves throughout the day when we go for success. Tracking yourself throughout the day will lead to increased self-awareness. Are you responding to challenges with patience? Are you staying calm when things don’t go as planned? These are the signs of inner growth—how well you manage your thoughts and emotions in real time.

Living by your core principles—what truly matters to you—is key according to the Roman emperor. For real. What is truly important to you?

A legend in personal development would start by identifying his core principles or values—such as balancing work with family, prioritizing health, being financially responsible, or practicing empathy—and writing them down. He would then use these as a guiding compass in life. When your actions align with these principles, you know you’re on the right path.

The external world is sexy, and it’s easy to lose ourselves in the chase.

In theory, inner growth can be a labyrinth in different philosophies, spiritual traditions, and beliefs, but in practice, it’s about asking yourself the question that gets you back to yourself.

We are mere humans, and we may try our best. But chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout often come from chasing external goals. We know this! True well-being comes from internal work—managing emotions, building resilience, and nurturing a strong sense of self that isn’t swayed by external events.

In a world obsessed with external success, the strongest man is holding on to the journey inward for lasting fulfillment and health.