Ever wonder why some colleagues at work seem unfazed by stress, drama, or office politics?
These individuals, often Stoic in demeanor, possess unique traits and habits that set them apart in the professional world.
Today, we dive into the world of Stoic professionals and uncover the secrets behind their seemingly unshakeable composure.
More specifically, we’ll cover the things that they are careful not to reveal.
Let’s get to it.
1) Their achievements
In a world where self-promotion is often seen as the key to climbing the corporate ladder, stoic individuals take a different approach. They rarely, if ever, boast about their achievements.
Instead, they let their work speak for itself.
Stoic professionals understand that genuine accomplishment doesn’t need constant validation. They derive satisfaction from knowing they’ve done their best and met their own high standards. This silent pride in their work ethic and capabilities is a testament to their inner confidence and humility.
By not broadcasting their achievements, they avoid unnecessary competition and jealousy from colleagues. This also means they don’t rely on external praise for motivation, keeping them grounded and focused on continuous improvement.
Their quiet success can often be more impactful and inspiring than any loud proclamation.
2) Their critical thoughts about colleagues
Ever noticed how some colleagues never seem to complain about others?
Stoic individuals have mastered the art of restraint when it comes to criticizing their coworkers.
They understand that workplace dynamics can be complex, and venting about others only adds to the negativity. Instead of focusing on the shortcomings of their colleagues, they prefer to concentrate on their own actions and responsibilities. They believe in leading by example rather than tearing others down.
This doesn’t mean they ignore issues or avoid giving feedback when necessary. However, they approach such situations with tact and a solution-oriented mindset. By not engaging in gossip or unnecessary criticism, they foster a more positive and collaborative work environment.
Their ability to refrain from criticizing others not only reflects their inner discipline but also builds trust and respect among their peers. It’s a subtle yet powerful way they contribute to a healthier, more productive workplace culture.
3) Personal struggles
Let me share something about Mark, a former colleague of mine who was the epitome of stoicism.
One thing I noticed was that he never brought his personal life to work. There were no tales of the traffic jam that nearly made him late, no stories about his weekend escapades, and definitely no venting about the argument he had with his partner.
It wasn’t that he was antisocial or aloof. He just had this ability to separate his work from his personal life. And it wasn’t until much later that I learned he was going through a pretty rough patch in his personal life during that time.
Stoic people like Mark believe in dealing with their struggles privately. They see work as a place to focus on tasks and goals, not as a platform for sharing personal problems. Hence, they keep their personal struggles to themselves, ensuring they don’t affect their professional performance or relationships.
This doesn’t mean they don’t have issues or need help. They just choose to handle it in their own way, maintaining their stoic demeanor at work.
4) Dissatisfaction with things they can’t control
One of the core principles of stoicism is understanding and accepting the limits of one’s control. Stoic individuals channel their energy into what they can influence and let go of what they cannot. This doesn’t mean they are immune to dissatisfaction or frustration; rather, they are adept at managing these feelings.
In the workplace, they might face setbacks, unfair decisions, or unforeseen changes, but they choose not to dwell on these issues. Instead of voicing their discontent or engaging in futile complaints, they focus on adapting and finding solutions within their control.
This approach not only preserves their mental well-being but also enhances their productivity and resilience. By accepting the inevitability of certain challenges and concentrating on actionable responses, they maintain a sense of calm and purpose, even in turbulent times.
5) Their long-term goals
Stoic individuals are forward-thinking and often have long-term goals that guide their actions.
At work, they’re the ones who steadily work towards their objectives, often without disclosing their grand plans to others. They believe in the power of action over words and prefer to let their progress speak for itself.
They might seem secretive or ambiguous about their long-term goals, but this is not due to a lack of ambition or direction. Instead, they choose to persevere silently, focusing on the journey rather than constantly announcing the destination.
The Stoic secret
Stoics, with their calm demeanor, strong principles, and penchant for self-improvement, bring a unique perspective to the professional environment.
Their ability to separate personal struggles from their work, their internal drive for contentment, and their pursuit of inner peace set them apart.
By mastering their emotions, handling personal challenges privately, focusing on long-term goals, quietly celebrating their achievements, and avoiding the pitfalls of negative criticism, they exemplify resilience and strength.
Adopting some of these stoic principles can help anyone enhance their professional life, fostering a more balanced and fulfilling career.
Interested in learning more about cultivating a Stoic mindset and other personal development insights?
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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.
