A couple of months ago, I posted this on my WhatsApp status:
That reflection stayed with me for a while.
Then recently, I came across a story in Stoic literature that had a similar framework.
It was around 170 AD, during the Marcomannic Wars.
The Roman Empire was under siege from several barbarian tribes along the northern frontiers. Emperor Marcus Aurelius, was camped with his legions by the Danube River.
As a habit, Marcus practiced something the Stoics called Premeditatio malorum.
Premeditatio Malorum is a Latin phrase that means "the premeditation of evils" or simply put, "thinking through what could go wrong."
The night before what would be a major confrontation, Marcus sat alone in his tent, writing in his personal journal, what we now know as Meditations.
He imagined what could go wrong, analyzing every case scenario where things don’t go according to plan:
His legions could be overwhelmed.
The enemy could break through and sack Roman towns.
His generals could betray him.
He might die: cold, alone, far from Rome.
Yet the next day, he led his army into battle.
I’m here imagining, maybe if he was in this generation, he might have gone on IG or TikTok live and said something like this:
“Hiii guys! So, I might just be heading into the biggest war of my emperor career and I don’t know what to feel right now. I know I have always looked forward to this opportunity as it could be a huge boost for my CV and stuff, but now that the opportunity is here, I’m a bit nervous. Anyways, got to go, wish me luck. #MA #Romeforthewin.”
Naah, Emperors don’t do that…😂
Okay, back to our story.
The Romans didn’t win every fight, but they didn’t collapse either. Marcus kept the empire intact during one of its most vulnerable seasons.
What a man! We need a movie to showcase what he accomplished (strategic wins) during his lifetime.
Why am I telling you this story?
Because like many of us, we often focus on what it takes to succeed: the steps, the strategy, the habits, the hustle.
I’m not saying that is bad practice. In my opinion, it’s incomplete.
We rarely pause to ask the opposite questions:
What could make me fail?
What might cost me trust or credibility?
Why might someone I admire hesitate to work with me, trust me, or vouch for me?
That WhatsApp quote I shared?
Turns out, it was my own version of Premeditatio Malorum. I just didn’t know it had a name until now 😁.
Here’s How I Practice It
Whenever I approach a situation.
Whether it’s pitching a client, applying for a role, or pursuing an opportunity.
I run multiple scenarios through my head:
What would success look like?
What would a ‘meh’ outcome look like?
What would the worst-case scenario be?
But I don’t stop there.
I go deeper:
What habits, actions, or inactions of mine could cause that “meh” or worst-case outcomes?
What external factors (beyond my control) might contribute to them?
This process gives me two major advantages:
Control: I become aware of the behaviors and habits within my control that I need to fix or avoid.
Composure: Because I’ve already imagined the worst, I’m mentally and emotionally ready to respond (not react) if it happens.
My Final Thoughts to You
Just like Marcus Aurelius, don’t just hope for the best.
Mentally prepare for what could go wrong.
It keeps you grounded, calm, and clear-headed. No matter what gets thrown at you.
So here’s the real question I want you to reflect on:
“What are the habits, mindsets, or blind spots in my life that, if left unchecked, could quietly sabotage my progress?”
Think about it: in your relationships, career, business, personal growth, or even spiritual life.
Then, go do the work.
Cheers,
DDB.