7 things Stoics never do at work (and you shouldn’t either)

Have you ever wondered what it takes to truly succeed at work?

And the answer might lie in an ancient philosophy. Or at least it has helped me a lot.

Stoicism has been a transformative philosophy for me, bringing immense benefits not only to my personal life but also to my professional life. The teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca have provided me with invaluable insights into how to navigate the complexities of the workplace with grace and resilience.

By embracing Stoic principles, I’ve learned to maintain my composure, focus on what truly matters, and cultivate a more fulfilling and productive career.

In this article, I want to share seven things that Stoics never do at work—habits that I’ve found incredibly beneficial to avoid.

Let’s dive in. 

1) React impulsively

Let’s kick things off with a big one. 

Reacting impulsively to situations at work can lead to unnecessary conflicts and stress.

Stoics believe in maintaining control over their emotions and reactions, especially in challenging circumstances. By taking a moment to pause and reflect, we can respond more thoughtfully and effectively.

As Epictetus wisely noted, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” This principle is crucial in the workplace, where our reactions can significantly impact our relationships with colleagues and our overall productivity.

But of course, this is easier said than done. One thing that has helped me is mindfulness. 

Mindfulness techniques can help you stay calm and composed in stressful situations. For instance, before responding to a provocative email or a tense meeting, take a few deep breaths and consider the best course of action. This approach not only helps in making better decisions but also enhances your reputation as a thoughtful and composed professional.

2) Take things personally

How often do we find ourselves taking others’ actions or words to heart, allowing them to disrupt our peace and productivity?

Too often, I’d say. 

Taking things personally can lead to unnecessary stress and conflict at work. Stoics understand that each person has their own perspectives and actions, which are often independent of us.

By not taking things personally, we can maintain our emotional balance and focus on what truly matters.

Marcus Aurelius encapsulates this idea perfectly: “Another does wrong. What is that to me? Let him look to it; he has his own disposition, his own activity.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)

This quote reminds us that we should not let others’ actions disrupt our inner peace. Everyone has their own reasons for their behavior, and it’s rarely a reflection of our worth or actions.

Instead, focus on constructive solutions rather than harboring resentment.

If a colleague’s behavior affects you, address the issue calmly and seek resolution rather than dwelling on the negativity. Foster a culture of open communication and resolution, where issues are discussed openly and professionally, leading to a more harmonious and productive work environment.

3) Seek excessive validation

In our professional lives, it’s easy to get caught up in seeking approval and validation from others.And the truth is many companies are not good at giving employees the credit they deserve. 

The Stoics teach us that true contentment and rest come from focusing on our actions and values rather than constantly seeking external validation. So, how can we apply this?

Set personal goals and standards for yourself and measure your success against these criteria rather than seeking constant approval from others. Reflect on your work regularly to ensure it aligns with your values and goals. By doing this, you’ll cultivate a sense of inner peace and self-assurance that is not dependent on external validation.

4) Let their values slide

So, let’s say you’re in a meeting where a senior colleague suggests bending the truth to close a deal. This could mean misrepresenting data or overpromising on deliverables. What do you do? Do you go along with the suggestion to keep the peace and secure the deal, or do you stand firm on your principles, risking potential conflict or backlash?

Maintaining integrity and adhering to one’s values is crucial in the workplace, yet it’s easy to let these slip under pressure or in challenging situations. Stoics emphasize the importance of staying true to our principles, regardless of external circumstances or the actions of others.

Marcus Aurelius succinctly captures this sentiment: “Whatever anyone may do or say, I am bound to be good.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)

Basically, he reminds us to uphold our values and ethical standards, no matter the behavior or opinions of those around us.

  • Here are a few tips to put this principle into action:
  • Clearly define your core values and ensure your actions align with them consistently.
  • When faced with ethical dilemmas or peer pressure, remind yourself of your commitment to these values.
  • Reflect regularly on your decisions and actions to ensure they are in harmony with your principles.

This approach not only fosters personal integrity but also earns the respect and trust of colleagues and supervisors.

5) Gossip

I used to think that engaging in workplace gossip was harmless, even a way to bond with colleagues. However, I soon realized it was draining my energy and creating a toxic environment. Gossiping distracted me from my work and often left me feeling guilty and stressed. Can you relate? 

Stoicism teaches us to focus on meaningful actions and conversations. As Marcus Aurelius advises, “Do not waste the balance of life left to you in thought about other persons when you are not referring to some advantage of your fellows

I think we can all agree that gossip does not benefit our “fellows”.

Time is also precious. We should spend it on productive and positive activities rather than engaging in harmful gossip.

Commit to steering clear of gossip. If a conversation starts to veer into gossip, politely redirect it to a more constructive topic. Focus on building positive relationships and contributing to a supportive work environment.

By doing so, you not only preserve your own peace of mind but also foster a culture of respect and collaboration among your colleagues.

6) Waste time worrying about things that are not in their control

One of the fundamental teachings of Stoicism is to focus on what we can control and to let go of what we cannot. Worrying about things beyond our control only leads to unnecessary stress and distracts us from what we can influence.

Epictetus wisely noted, “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. Things not in our power include the body, property, reputation, office, and, in a word, everything which is not our own doing.” (The Discourses of Epictetus, 1916)

As far as I can see, this couldn’t be more applicable to modern work. I mean how often do we waste time thinking about what others are doing, the results of a project, what the client is thinking…? 

Couldn’t we be spending that energy on something more productive?

When you find yourself worrying about uncontrollable factors, practice acceptance and shift your attention back to your own actions and responses. This mindset not only reduces anxiety but also enhances your effectiveness and productivity by concentrating on what you can change and improve.

7) Get too attached to status and money

This is the last one but by no means the least important. 

It’s easy to become overly attached to status and money in the pursuit of career success. However, Stoicism teaches us to recognize the impermanence of all things and not be swayed by external markers of success.

Marcus Aurelius advises, “Take heed…not to accustom yourself to overvalue the things you are contented to have, so as to be troubled if any time they are not here.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)

The point?

Everything, including wealth and status, is temporary. Overvaluing these can lead to unnecessary distress when they inevitably change or disappear.

I’d urge you to re-evaluate what success means to you. Instead of measuring your achievements by your job title or salary, consider the impact you have on others, your personal growth, and your overall well-being. 

Engage in regular self-reflection to ensure your goals align with your values and not just societal expectations. By focusing on intrinsic rewards rather than extrinsic ones, you will find greater fulfillment and balance in your professional life.

True contentment comes from within and is not dependent on external circumstances.

The last word 

Embracing these Stoic principles has significantly improved my professional life, and I hope it can do the same for you.

I encourage you to reflect on these points and consider integrating them into your daily routine for a more balanced and fulfilling career.

Also, share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. I’d love to hear how Stoicism has impacted your work life or if you find any additional practices helpful.

Finally, if you enjoyed this post, why not sign up for our newsletter below to receive more insights and tips on applying Stoic philosophy to everyday challenges?

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.

Check it out here.

 

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