Role Call

If, furthermore, you are on the council of any city, you should remember that you are a councillor; if a youth, a youth; if an old man, an old man. For each of these names, if rightly considered, always points to the acts appropriate to it. 

Gill, Christopher, ed., and Hard, Robin, trans. The Discourses of Epictetus. London: Everyman: 1995, 96

I find Epictetus's guidance here extremely helpful for good living. His idea is that throughout life we assume different roles and, just like an actor, there are proper ways to play such roles. So, for example, if you're a father you should think hard about how a father should behave and act accordingly. The trick is to remain mindful of all your roles in life and play them well.