Epictetus, as rendered by Sharon Lebell. I hope it's okay to republish just this section. The book says brief excerpts are republishable as part of critical reviews or articles. I'm not sure a blog post qualifies, but I do wholeheartedly recommend her book! I think you might be able to see why through the way she's rendered this passage:
Now is the time to get serious about living your ideals. Once you have determined the spiritual principles you wish to exemplify, abide by these rules as if they were laws, as it it were indeed sinful to compromise them. Don't mind if others don't share your convictions. How long can you afford to put off who you really want to be? Your nobler self cannot wait any longer. Put your principles into practice--now. Stop the excuses and procrastination. This is your life! You aren't a child anymore. The sooner you set yourself to your spiritual program, the happier you will be. The longer you wait, the more you will be vulnerable to mediocrity and feel filled with shame and regret, because you know you are capable of better. From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself. Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do--now.
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