It's going to happen, embrace it!

When the Day Doesn't Go as Planned: Thriving as a Notary Anyway, Because Calm Is Part of the Toolkit.

The Obstacle Is the Way—Even in Notary Work

There's a well-known quote from the Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius that has gained renewed attention thanks to Ryan Holiday's book The Obstacle Is the Way:

"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."

It's a powerful concept, but what many don't realize is that Marcus wasn't talking about mountain climbs or military campaigns. He was talking about people. Challenging, frustrating, thoughtless people.

That co-worker who undermines you. The rude customer. The friend who disappoints you. These aren't just challenges to endure; they are opportunities to practice excellence. To cultivate patience, forgiveness, courage, self-control, and even good humor.

However, this wisdom extends far beyond dealing with difficult people. Every situation we face, positive or negative, easy or frustrating, is an invitation to practice virtue. And for me, one of the best places to practice is in my work as a notary public.

Let me explain.

When the Day Doesn't Go as Planned

Notary work is often portrayed as simple: "get the document signed." But those of us who live and breathe this work know it's so much more. It's a juggling act of logistics, personalities, legal requirements, and time. And every one of those layers holds a potential obstacle.

For example, when I receive an assignment from a hiring party that omits key instructions, and then holds me responsible for not following them. Or when they book a signing without checking my availability, demand scans immediately afterward without considering my schedule, or undervalue the importance of what I do.

Then there are the signers:

• They're not ready when I arrive.

• They're scrambling to find their ID or documents that they knew were required.

• They answer their phones during the signing or start conversations with others in the room while I'm giving instructions.

• They blame me for issues that originate with the lender or title company.

Outside of the appointment, obstacles continue with careless drivers who cut me off, block my parking spot, or park so close I can't open my door.

And sometimes, it's my customer who sets me up for trouble by omitting essential facts:

• The signer is non-verbal.

• They forgot about the need for witnesses.

• There's no valid ID.

• They didn't mention the signer doesn't speak English, or that there's a gated entrance with no code.

Each of these issues creates friction. However, viewed through the lens of Stoicism, they also present an opportunity.

Practicing Virtue Amid Chaos

Every frustrating moment gives me a chance to practice the best version of myself.

Instead of asking, "Why is this happening to me?" I ask,

"Who do I want to be in this moment?"

This mindset shift has transformed my approach to my day. The truth is, these things will happen: appointments will go sideways, people will be late, and information will be missing.

So rather than wishing for a perfect day, I now prepare for a real day.

Here's what that looks like:

• I ask better questions upfront to screen for potential issues.

• I build in buffer time between appointments, so I'm not rushed.

• I start earlier to give myself a buffer for traffic, last-minute changes, or unexpected detours.

• I bring snacks and water, so I stay focused and don't get "hangry."

• I carry resources like the NNA Hotline, certificates, extra pens, and ID reference materials, as well as notary wording stamps and extra seals—tools that help me solve problems on the spot.

• Most importantly, I choose to adopt a mindset of calmness, patience, and creativity, no matter what comes my way.

I don't always get it right. But when I do meet the moment with grace, it feels incredible. Not because the day went perfectly, but because I showed up as my best self, even when things didn't go my way.

That's the essence of the Stoic mindset:

It's not about controlling the world—it's about managing your response to it.

Obstacles as Invitations

When I reflect on this in the context of notary work, I realize that every appointment is an invitation:

• To exercise clarity and assertiveness when explaining legal limits.

• To show compassion when a signer is overwhelmed or confused.

• To practice forgiveness when a hiring party forgets a vital detail, for the third time.

• To remain cheerful and professional when I'm tired or delayed.

Every one of these moments sharpens my character. Makes me more skillful. More resilient. And more connected to the values I want to embody.

So, yes—some days are hard. People can be frustrating. But every obstacle I face helps me grow into the notary, business owner, and human I aspire to be. This is what builds resilience and perseverance, allowing me to stay with my notary service for over 21 years.

Marcus Aurelius knew what he was talking about. The thing in your way? It is the way.

And for us in the notary world, that's not just philosophy. That's real life.

Laura