Right now, think of yourself as a grown person who knows better. Whatever seems like the right thing to do — make it your unbreakable rule. When you face pain or pleasure, praise or shame, remember: this is your test. This is your Olympic moment. You can't postpone it. One slip-up can cost you everything — or win you everything. This is how Socrates became perfect. He learned from everything and followed reason above all else. You're not Socrates yet. But you should live like someone trying to become him.
This instant, then, think yourself worthy of living as a man grown up and a proficient. Let whatever appears to be the best be to you an inviolable law. And if any instance of pain or pleasure, glory or disgrace, be set before you, remember that now is the combat, now the Olympiad comes on, nor can it be put off; and that by one failure and defeat honor may be lost or—won. Thus Socrates became perfect, improving himself by everything, following reason alone. And though you are not yet a Socrates, you ought, however, to live as one seeking to be a Socrates.