Ever wondered why some people seem to glide through life with ease, while others get bogged down by every minor inconvenience?
The secret might lie in their mindset. Stoicism, an ancient philosophy, offers a unique perspective on living a meaningful and resilient life.
Today, we dive into some things Stoics simply never waste their time on.
Let’s get to it.
1. Gossip and petty drama
“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” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
It’s easy to get caught up in the he-said-she-said saga or the intrigue of someone else’s life. But pause for a moment and ask yourself: what value does it really add to your life?
Stoics steer clear of such unnecessary distractions.
They believe in focusing their energy on self-improvement and personal growth, not on the trivial affairs of others.
Gossip and drama, while they may seem exciting in the short term, only serve to waste time and create negative energy.
2. Worrying about things outside of their control
Ever found yourself lying awake at 3 AM stressing over a situation you can’t control?
Maybe it’s a pending decision at work that’s in your boss’s hands, or a global event that’s causing widespread panic.
We all have. I remember a time when I spent an entire week fretting over whether I’d get a promotion. Turns out, the decision was delayed, and all my worrying was for naught.
Stoics have a golden rule: don’t waste energy on things you can’t control.
They understand that life is full of variables and uncertainties, and the only thing they can truly control is how they react to them. Worrying about factors beyond your influence only leads to stress and anxiety, and doesn’t change the outcome.
Instead, Stoics advise focusing on your actions and responses, the aspects you do have control over. This allows for a more productive use of time and a greater sense of peace.
3. Living in the past or future
As the renowned stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius wrote, “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”.
Stoics live by this principle. They understand that dwelling on past mistakes or anxieties about the future does nothing but rob us of our present.
Stoics believe in focusing on the here and now. They don’t waste time regretting what’s been done or worrying about what may come.
They concentrate their efforts on the present moment, on what they can do right now to create positive change in their lives. This approach allows them to fully engage with life as it happens and prevents them from losing themselves in ‘what ifs’ and ‘if onlys’.
After all, the past is a place of reference, not a place of residence, and the future is made in the present.
4. Seeking validation from others
Picture this: you’ve just bought a new car or landed a new job, but instead of enjoying your accomplishment, you’re busy checking your phone, waiting for the likes and comments to roll in. Sounds familiar?
Stoics never waste their time seeking validation from others. They understand that true satisfaction comes from personal growth and self-approval. They firmly believe that the need for validation from others is not only a waste of time but also a direct path to disappointment.
After all, people’s opinions vary, and they change on a whim. Relying on them for self-worth can lead to an emotional roller coaster.
Stoics teach us to be our own judge, to evaluate our actions based on our principles and values rather than the fleeting opinions of others.
5. Comparing themselves to others
When I was younger, I would often find myself comparing my life to that of my peers. Whether it was their jobs, relationships, or even the vacations they were taking, I constantly felt like I was coming up short.
It was a toxic cycle that only left me feeling unhappy and unsatisfied.
Stoics know this all too well and avoid such comparisons. They understand that each person’s journey is unique, with its own set of challenges and triumphs.
Stoics focus on their own – learning from their experiences, growing from their mistakes, and celebrating their victories. By doing this, they ensure that their time and energy are spent on self-improvement and personal growth rather than being wasted on unproductive comparisons.
6. Chasing material possessions
“if nothing will serve a man but rich clothes and furniture, statues and plate, a numerous train of servants, and the rarities of all nations, it is not Fortune’s fault, but his own, that he is not satisfied: for his desires are insatiable, and this is not a thirst, but a disease; and if he were master of the whole world, he would be still a beggar.” – Seneca (Seneca’s Morals, 1882)
In a society driven by consumerism, it’s easy to fall into the trap of equating happiness with material possessions. The newest gadgets, the latest fashion trends, the flashiest cars – they all seem to promise a better, happier life.
Stoics, however, see through this illusion.
They know that material possessions are transient and do not equate to true happiness or fulfillment. They choose not to waste time and energy chasing after these possessions.
Instead, they focus on cultivating inner virtues, like wisdom, integrity, and self-discipline – qualities that contribute to a meaningful life
7. Fearing change
Change is an inevitable part of life. It can be as small as a change in daily routine, or as big as a life-altering event. But fear of change can paralyze us, keep us stuck in our comfort zones, and prevent us from reaching our full potential.
Stoics avoid this by seeing change as an opportunity for growth, learning, and improvement.
By accepting and adapting to change, they free themselves from unnecessary anxiety and open themselves up to new possibilities.
The bottom line
Stoicism is more than just a philosophy; it’s a way of life that encourages us to focus on what truly matters and eliminate the unnecessary. It teaches us to value our time and use it wisely.
From avoiding gossip to embracing change, the Stoic way can lead us toward a more focused, meaningful, and fulfilling life.
We’d love to hear from you on this. How do you relate to these Stoic principles? Are there any areas in your life where you could apply these ideas?
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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.
