What if I told you that you might already be practicing some of these principles without even knowing it?
Yes, you could be an “accidental Stoic,” embodying the ethos of this philosophy through your daily habits without having studied it.
In this article, we’re going to explore seven habits that indicate you might just be living the Stoic way without realizing it.
Let’s dive in.
1) You value action over words
Do you often find yourself quietly getting things done rather than talking about what you’re going to do?
Stoicism places a strong emphasis on action rather than discourse, encouraging followers to “show, not tell.” As Epictetus said,
“When you have adopted the simple life, do not pride yourself upon it, and if you are a water-drinker do not say on every occasion, ‘I am a water-drinker.’ And if you ever want to train laboriously, keep it to yourself and do not make a show of it.” (The Discourses of Epictetus, 1916)
For instance, a few years back, I decided to run a marathon. Instead of broadcasting my intention far and wide, I simply started training. Early mornings, diet adjustments, long runs – I kept at it, quietly and persistently. It wasn’t until I crossed the finish line and shared a photo of that moment that my friends and family realized what I had been up to.
This “doing rather than boasting” approach is a hallmark of Stoic behavior, focusing on substance over spectacle. If this sounds like you, your actions are already aligned with the Stoic virtue of letting deeds, not words, define you.
2) You practice gratitude in daily life
The renowned Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius told himself in his 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)
He also wrote:
“Whenever you desire to cheer yourself, think upon the merits of those who are alive with you; the energy of one, for instance, the modesty of another, the generosity of a third, of another some other gift.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
These insights capture the Stoic practice of finding joy in what we have.
If you find yourself regularly taking stock of the good in your life, delighting in small pleasures, or expressing thanks for the people and experiences that enrich your existence, you’re embodying this Stoic habit.
3) You embrace change
Have you ever found yourself in the midst of chaos, change, or challenge, and instead of freaking out, you took a deep breath and simply adapted?
If so, you’re tapping into one of the core habits of Stoicism without even realizing it.
Stoics believe that change is not just inevitable but an opportunity for growth and learning. They advocate for embracing whatever life throws your way with a sense of grace and flexibility.
4) You control what you can, and accept what you can’t
Picture this: You’re stuck in traffic, late for an important meeting. While your initial reaction might be to feel frustrated or anxious, you instead take a deep breath and accept the situation for what it is.
Instead of stressing over the uncontrollable delay, you focus on what you can control—perhaps using the time to mentally prepare for your meeting or enjoy a podcast. This calm acceptance and practical focus on what’s within your power is a key aspect of Stoicism.
The Stoic philosopher Epictetus famously said:
“Of all existing things some are in our power, and others are not in our power. In our power are thought, impulse, will to get and will to avoid, and, in a word, everything which is our own doing. ” (The Discourses of Epictetus , 1916)
By internalizing this principle, you learn to distinguish between what you can change and what you must accept. This doesn’t mean being passive; it’s about directing your energy and efforts where they will be most effective.
Do you find yourself adopting this mindset in the face of life’s uncertainties and challenges, embracing serenity over stress for the things outside your control? Good for you; you’re practicing another fundamental Stoic habit.
5) You prioritize inner peace over external achievements
Let me share a personal story that perfectly encapsulates this Stoic habit.
In my twenties, I found myself completely absorbed in the rat race, constantly chasing after promotions, salary increases, and the next shiny thing to buy. On paper, my achievements looked impressive, but internally, I felt increasingly hollow and stressed.
One day, after a particularly draining week, I took a solitary walk in the park. As I sat watching the sunset, a profound sense of calm washed over me. It was in this moment of quiet reflection that I realized my relentless pursuit of external success was costing me my inner peace.
I didn’t know it at the time, but I was getting close to a key Stoic principle that true contentment comes from within and should not be dictated by external circumstances or achievements.
By shifting our focus from the external to the internal, we cultivate a state of contentment.
If you’ve ever had a similar realization or find yourself more fulfilled by moments of inner peace than by material success, you’re embodying a key Stoic practice. Prioritizing tranquility of mind over the endless chase for external things not only aligns you with Stoic wisdom but also leads to a more sustainable and satisfying way of living.
6) You embrace simplicity in life
In a world that constantly pushes us towards wanting more, doing more, and being more, the act of embracing simplicity can be revolutionary. Stoicism teaches us the value of living a life unburdened by excess and complexity. This philosophy encourages us to focus on what truly matters and to let go of the superfluous.
While traveling a few years back, I met a man who was the epitome of such a simplified life. He had downsized from a large house to a modest apartment, sold most of his belongings, and chose to spend his time and resources on experiences rather than things.
His rationale was simple yet profound: by reducing his physical possessions and the desires for more, he found clarity, freedom, and an abundance of time for what truly enriched his life—relationships, nature, and self-improvement. This transformation was not about austerity for its own sake but about making space for genuine happiness.
He didn’t know it, but he, in many ways, was an accidental Stoic. If this sounds familiar, you might be, too.
7) You strive to live in the present
A seemingly paradoxical yet profoundly impactful practice among Stoics is the contemplation of one’s own mortality, a practice known as “memento mori,” which translates to “remember you must die.” Far from being morbid, this reflection is intended to heighten appreciation for the present and instill a sense of urgency to live meaningfully in the here and now.
Marcus Aurelius wrote quite frequently about time and death in his journals, but perhaps my favorite quote from him on this is as follows:
“Each of us lives only in the present, this brief moment; the rest is either a life that is past or is an uncertain future” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Can you relate to this? If so, there’s a good chance you are an accidental Stoic!
The bottom line
Stoicism, with its timeless wisdom, offers practical approaches to leading a more fulfilled, kind and resilient life. Whether you’re consciously walking the Stoic path or have just discovered you’re an “accidental Stoic,” these habits can profoundly impact your well-being and perspective.
We’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Have you found yourself practicing any of these Stoic habits? Or perhaps you have other experiences or thoughts on Stoicism and its relevance in modern life?
Also, if you found value in this post, consider joining our Stoic newsletter. Basically, we send regular mails with more Stoic insights similar to this. And it’s free, of course!
Until next time, stay Stoic!
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.
