Life is a rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs. Of course, it’s the “downs” that test us the most.
But some people seem to weather these storms with a certain calmness. These people are often practicing Stoicism.
Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that teaches how to keep a calm mind amidst life’s turmoil. It’s about mastering one’s emotions to lead a fuller, more content life.
In this article, I’m going to share with you five habits of people who use Stoic principles to stay strong, even when life isn’t playing fair. They’re practical, they’re straightforward, and no joke; they might just change your life.
Let’s dive in.
1) Embracing adversity
One fundamental aspect of Stoicism is the art of embracing adversity.
Life is full of challenges and setbacks. For many, these obstacles can be overwhelming and debilitating. But for those who practice Stoicism, they see them differently.
Rather than seeing hardships as something to avoid, Stoics view them as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. They believe that it’s not the events themselves that disturb us, but rather our perception of these events.
This shift in perspective allows individuals to stay strong during tough times. Instead of being crippled by adversity, they use it as a stepping stone to become stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
However, keep in mind that embracing adversity doesn’t mean inviting unnecessary trouble or hardship into your life. It’s about accepting the inevitable turbulence that life throws our way, and using it as fuel to forge ahead.
It’s about learning to dance in the rain, rather than waiting for the storm to pass.
2) Controlling what they can, accepting what they cannot
This is a principle of Stoicism that has had a profound impact on my own life.
There was a time when I was incredibly stressed about a job situation. Every day, I was worrying about things that were out of my control – the decisions of upper management, the economy, the future of the company. It was exhausting and unproductive.
Then I came across a quote from Epictetus, a renowned Stoic philosopher: “External things are not in my power, my will is my own. Where am I to seek what is good and what is evil? Within me” (The Discourses of Epictetus , 1916)
It struck me like a bolt of lightning. I realized that I was wasting so much energy fretting over things beyond my power to change. It was futile and it was making me miserable.
So, I decided to change my approach. I started focusing on what was in my control: my work ethic, my attitude, my reaction to the circumstances.
I won’t lie and say it was easy. It wasn’t. But over time, it became an ingrained habit and it transformed the way I handled stress. I learned to stay strong by directing my energy towards things I could influence and accepting those I couldn’t.
This is the kind of mental fortitude that Stoicism can instill in you. It’s not about being impassive or indifferent but about understanding where your power truly lies and making the best use of it.
3) Practicing negative visualization
This may sound counter-intuitive, but part of Stoic philosophy involves envisioning worst-case scenarios. Now, this isn’t about being a pessimist or dwelling on misfortune.
Negative visualization is a mental exercise that encourages us to contemplate the loss of things we value. This could range from losing your job to the loss of a loved one. The goal is not to depress ourselves, but instead to appreciate what we have while we have it.
The stoic philosopher Seneca once said, “He robs present ills of their power who has perceived their coming beforehand.” This essentially means that by anticipating potential hardships, we rob them of their ability to catch us off guard and throw us into chaos.
By regularly practicing negative visualization, we can learn to cherish our present circumstances and build resilience for whatever life might throw at us next.
4) Giving thanks
In the face of hardship, it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong. But Stoics understand the transformative power of gratitude.
Gratitude encourages us to focus on what’s going right in our lives. It shifts our attention from lack to abundance, from what we don’t have to what we do.
It doesn’t mean ignoring the difficult parts of life, but rather acknowledging the good amidst the bad. It’s about appreciating the simple, everyday blessings that we often take for granted.
Marcus Aurelius, a famous Stoic philosopher, and Roman Emperor once wrote in his personal journal:
“Do not think of what are absent as though they were not existing, but ponder on the most fortunate of what you have got, and on account of them remind yourself how they would have been missed, if they had not been here.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This practice of gratitude isn’t just a feel-good exercise. It’s a powerful tool that can boost our mental strength and resilience. By making a conscious effort to appreciate the good in our lives, we create a buffer against life’s inevitable challenges.
5) Embracing the power of the present moment
If there’s one thing to take away from Stoicism, it’s the importance of living in the present moment.
The past is gone, and the future is uncertain. All we truly have is the here and now, and Stoics believe in making the most of it.
Living in the present moment isn’t about disregarding the past or neglecting the future. It’s about fully engaging with our current experiences, appreciating them for what they are, without being weighed down by regrets from the past or anxieties about the future.
It’s about being fully present in our interactions with others, in our work, even in our moments of solitude. It’s about experiencing life as it unfolds, rather than being lost in thought or distracted by external factors.
By embracing the power of the present moment, we cultivate a sense of peace and groundedness that can help us weather any storm. We learn to find joy and contentment in the here and now, regardless of external circumstances.
Remember, life is happening right now. Don’t let it pass you by.
Final thoughts: It’s in your power
The essence of Stoicism lies in the understanding that while we can’t control everything that happens to us, we can control how we respond to it.
This ancient philosophy, with its timeless wisdom, has been guiding individuals through the ebbs and flows of life for centuries. It’s about cultivating resilience, practicing mindfulness, and finding contentment in the present moment.
It’s not about ignoring emotions or suppressing feelings, but rather learning to navigate them in a healthier, more productive way.
And most importantly, it’s about recognizing that the power to lead a fulfilling and resilient life is within each one of us.
These principles are not just theories or abstract concepts – they are practical tools that can be integrated into our daily lives. They can help us stay strong when life gets tough, and find joy and contentment in every moment.
No matter what storms life may throw your way, embracing these Stoic habits can help you navigate through them with strength and grace.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
