I’ll be honest – my life was a rollercoaster of highs and lows until I discovered these 7 Stoic habits.
They’re not magic tricks or quick fixes, but adopting them has been a revelation. These habits have not only brought me peace and clarity but have also skyrocketed my productivity and resilience.
I’m excited to share them with you because, who knows, they might just change your life too.
Let’s get into it.
01 Embracing the present moment
These days, it’s incredibly easy to get lost in the worries of tomorrow or the regrets of yesterday. Or at least it is for me.
The Stoics, however, teach us the importance of focusing on the here and now, emphasizing that the present is all we truly have under our control.
This was a game-changer for me. Instead of fretting over what’s to come or dwelling on past mistakes, I learned to anchor myself in the current moment.
Books like “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius were instrumental in this journey, offering daily reflections that guided me toward a more mindful existence.
Practicing this habit doesn’t mean ignoring the future or forgetting the past. Instead, it’s about allocating our energy and attention efficiently, on what we can act upon right now. This shift in focus not only reduces anxiety but also enhances our appreciation for life’s small joys that we often overlook.
By making a conscious effort to stay present, I’ve found a deeper sense of peace and contentment in my everyday life. The beauty and simplicity of now became more apparent, enriching my experiences and interactions in ways I never imagined possible.
It’s a straightforward idea, but its impact on my life has been nothing short of profound.
02 Practicing daily reflection
03 Cultivating gratitude
Recent research underscores the profound impact gratitude can have on our mental health and well-being. According to UCLA Health, practicing it can reduce anxiety, relieve stress, make our sleep better and it may even good for our heart!
But the Stoics knew it’s power well before any of this research was conducted. As Marcus Aurelius wrote “When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …”
Incorporating gratitude into my daily routine wasn’t just about saying “thank you” more often. It involved a deeper reflection on the abundance present in my life, even during moments of scarcity or challenge.
The Stoics believed in cherishing what we have and understanding that everything is borrowed and temporary. This perspective shift, from focusing on what I lack to appreciating what I possess, has been a game-changer.
Every morning, I start my day by jotting down three things I’m grateful for. They can be as simple as a warm cup of coffee, a serene walk in the park, or meaningful progress on a work project.
This practice sets a positive tone for the day ahead and helps me maintain a sense of contentment and humility.
Moreover, embracing gratitude has improved my relationships. Expressing appreciation for the people around me, acknowledging their impact on my life, and recognizing their kindness has not only strengthened my connections but also attracted more positivity into my life.
It might just do the same for you.
04 Focusing on my reactions to events, not events themselves
Have you ever found yourself reacting impulsively to a situation, only to regret it later?
It’s a common experience, but Stoicism offers a powerful remedy: the practice of controlling our reactions.
The Stoics believed that while we cannot always control what happens to us, we can control how we respond. As Epictetus said ““It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
This principle has been a cornerstone in my journey toward a more balanced and peaceful life. It shifted my perspective from feeling victimized by circumstances to empowering myself to choose my responses.
By pausing before reacting, I’ve learned to respond more thoughtfully and less emotionally, which has improved my relationships and reduced stress.
Now, I will say that this requires some practice. Initially, it’s challenging to catch ourselves in the moment, but with time, it becomes second nature.
05 Seeking Internal Instead of External Validation
Marcus Aurelius once pondered, “I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others.” This quote struck a chord with me, highlighting a common paradox in human behavior.
By focusing on internal validation, we reclaim a significant amount of mental energy previously spent on worrying about others’ perceptions.
“How much time he gains who does not look to see what his neighbour says or does or thinks, but only at what he does himself, to make it just and holy,” Aurelius also said.
This shift involves a few key practices:
- Define Your Values and Goals: Clearly define what matters to you. Understanding these gives you a solid foundation to measure your actions against.
- Daily Reflection: Incorporate a practice of daily reflection to assess your actions and decisions. This promotes self-awareness and reinforces internal validation.
- Limit Social Comparisons: Make a conscious effort to limit comparisons with others. Remember, what you see online is often a curated highlight reel.
But it’s well worth is. By prioritizing internal validation, I’ve found greater peace and fulfillment.
It’s a straightforward idea, but its impact on my life has been nothing short of profound.
06 Detaching from material possessions
In today’s consumer-driven society, detaching from material possessions may seem like a radical idea. Yet, embracing this Stoic habit has profoundly shifted my perspective on what truly matters in life.
The Stoics teach us that the value of our lives isn’t measured by the things we own but by the quality of our character and our actions.
As put by Epictetus ” No man is free who is not master of himself. A man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.”
This habit isn’t about living an ascetic life or renouncing all worldly goods. Instead, it’s about understanding that while possessions can bring temporary joy, they should not hold power over our happiness or self-worth.
By practicing detachment, we learn to appreciate what we have without becoming overly attached or defined by it.
The process of detaching from material possessions has been both liberating and challenging. It involves regular reflection on what I genuinely need versus what I desire due to societal influences or fleeting emotions.
That being said, through detaching from material possessions, I’ve discovered a deeper sense of gratitude and a clearer understanding of what brings true fulfillment. This Stoic practice continues to remind me that the best things in life aren’t things at all, but the experiences we share and the moments we create.
07 Detaching from material possessions
It may sound morbid, but regularly reminding myself of my mortality has been a surprisingly liberating Stoic habit. This practice, known as “memento mori,” encourages a deeper appreciation for life and a clearer sense of purpose.
The Stoics believed that contemplating death helps us prioritize what truly matters, prompting us to live more authentically and with intention. Instead of fearing death, they embraced it as a natural part of life, a perspective that profoundly shifted my outlook.
Here’s how this habit has impacted my life:
- Prioritize Meaningful Activities: Recognizing that my time is limited pushes me to focus on what truly matters. I no longer waste time, or at least I waste less time, on trivial pursuits or unnecessary drama.
- Appreciate the Present: Knowing that life is finite enhances my appreciation for the present moment. It deepens my gratitude for the people, experiences, and opportunities I encounter daily.
- Reduced Fear and Anxiety: Accepting mortality diminishes the fear of the unknown. It brings a sense of peace, knowing that life’s end is a natural and inevitable part of existence.
- Action: The awareness of death propels me to take action on my goals and aspirations. It reminds me not to procrastinate or delay pursuing what I genuinely want to achieve
The bottom line: Acknowledging our mortality isn’t about dwelling on death; it’s about enhancing the quality of our lives. It’s a straightforward idea, but its impact on my life has been nothing short of profound.
Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! What are your favorite Stoic quotes? Have you tried any of these practices?
Share your insights in the comments below!
Also if you’re interested in diving deeper into Stoicism, why not join my Stoic email newsletter? Each week, I share practical tips, powerful quotes, and reflections to help you live a more intentional and fulfilling life.
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.
