There’s a clear distinction between simply enduring life and navigating it with the wisdom of Stoicism.
If you’re not familiar with stoicism, it is a philosophy that encourages finding peace in the midst of chaos and remaining calm no matter the circumstance.
Applying Stoicism to everyday life isn’t about suppressing emotions; it’s about understanding them, acknowledging them, and then making rational decisions.
Today, I’ll share nine practical ways to apply Stoicism to handle life’s highs and lows. Ready to explore how ancient wisdom can empower your modern life?
Let’s dive in.
1) Focus on what you can control
Stoicism starts with understanding what you can and can’t control in life.
Many of us exert too much energy worrying about things outside of our control. Traffic, weather, other people’s actions – we can’t change these, no matter how much we fret.
The Stoics had a name for this: the dichotomy of control. It’s the concept that some things are within our control, while others are not.
Epictetus, a famous Stoic philosopher, put it this way: “There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will.”
By focusing on what you can control – your actions, reactions, and attitudes – and letting go of what you can’t, you can reduce stress and live more in tune with reality.
Remember this principle the next time you find yourself getting worked up over something. Ask yourself: Is this within my control? If it’s not, let it go. You’ll be surprised at how liberating it feels.
2) Practice negative visualization
One of the most powerful Stoic exercises I’ve found is the practice of negative visualization. It’s a mental exercise that involves imagining potential negative outcomes. The goal isn’t to become pessimistic, but to appreciate what we have and to prepare for life’s inevitable challenges.
Here’s how it works in my life: I often find myself worrying about my health. Instead of letting this anxiety take over, I use negative visualization. I imagine what it would be like if I were seriously ill and couldn’t do the things I love. How would I cope? What would I miss?
This exercise helps me appreciate my current health and makes me realize that most of my worries are trivial. Plus, it prepares me emotionally and mentally for any health issues that might come up in the future.
Negative visualization might sound a bit gloomy, but I can assure you, it’s a powerful tool for cultivating gratitude and resilience in everyday life.
3) Understand the impermanence of all things
In Stoic philosophy, there’s a concept known as ‘memento mori’, which translates to ‘remember you must die’. While it might sound morbid, it’s actually a reminder of the transient nature of life and everything in it.
Everything we see, touch, and experience is temporary. Seasons change, buildings crumble, and people age – nothing is permanent. This is not a depressing thought but a liberating one.
The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a well-known Stoic, often meditated on this concept. He wrote, “Time is like a river made up of the events which happen, and a violent stream; for as soon as a thing has been seen, it is carried away, and another comes in its place, and this will be carried away too.”
By understanding and accepting the impermanence of all things, we can live more fully in the present and appreciate what we have, while we have it.
4) Cultivate inner peace through acceptance
Stoicism teaches us to accept life as it is, not as we wish it to be. This acceptance isn’t about resignation or apathy but about understanding the nature of life and choosing to remain tranquil in the face of adversity.
The Stoics believed that we can’t control external events, but we can control our reaction to them. By accepting what happens to us, we can maintain our inner peace and prevent external circumstances from disturbing our tranquility.
As put by Seneca, “You have to get used to your circumstances, complain about them as little as possible, and grasp whatever advantage they have to offer: no condition is so bitter that a stable mind cannot find some consolation in it.”
This doesn’t mean we should be passive or avoid taking action. On the contrary, we should strive to improve our situations where possible.
This principle can be especially helpful in dealing with unexpected setbacks or disappointments in everyday life. Acceptance allows us to respond with grace and composure, rather than react with frustration or despair.
5) Practice daily reflection
Stoicism isn’t just about understanding philosophy, it’s about practicing it daily. And one of the most effective ways to do this is through daily reflection.
Taking time each day to reflect on your actions, thoughts and experiences can provide valuable insights and help you live more in line with your values. It can also help you learn from mistakes and improve over time.
At the end of the day, ask yourself what went well, what didn’t, and what you could do better. This isn’t about self-criticism or regret, but about self-improvement and growth.
6) Show empathy and kindness to others
Stoicism isn’t just about personal peace and resilience, it also guides us on how to interact with others. One of the core principles of Stoicism is treating others with empathy and kindness.
The Stoics believed that all humans are fundamentally connected. We’re all part of the same human family, navigating life’s challenges together.
Marcus Aurelius, for example, wrote “Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.”
This perspective encourages compassion, understanding, and mutual respect.
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget that everyone is fighting their own battles. But by showing empathy and kindness, we can make others’ journeys a little bit lighter.
Not only does this create a positive impact on those around us, but it also contributes to our own sense of fulfillment and wellbeing. So next time you interact with others, remember to be kind. It’s a simple act that can make a world of difference.
7) Embrace discomfort and challenge
Stoicism teaches us that comfort isn’t always our friend. In fact, it’s often through discomfort and challenge that we grow the most.
As put by Seneca “Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.”
I remember a time when I was offered a promotion at work. It was a huge opportunity, but it also meant more responsibility, longer hours, and stepping far outside my comfort zone. I was terrified.
Instead of shying away from the challenge, I decided to embrace it – to use it as an opportunity for growth. It was hard, there were times I doubted myself, but ultimately, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
In every life, there will be moments of discomfort and challenge. By embracing these moments instead of avoiding them, we can learn, grow and become stronger.
8) Develop self-discipline
Stoicism puts a huge emphasis on self-discipline – the ability to control our impulses, emotions, and actions. It’s about making the right choices, even when they’re not the easiest ones.
Self-discipline isn’t about punishment or deprivation. It’s about aligning your actions with your values and long-term goals. It’s about choosing what you truly want over what you want right now.
Whether it’s resisting the temptation to procrastinate, maintaining a regular exercise routine, or choosing healthy foods over junk, developing self-discipline can greatly improve your quality of life.
The key to building self-discipline is to start small and be consistent. Every small victory will strengthen your willpower and bring you one step closer to becoming the person you want to be.
9) Strive for virtue above all else
At the heart of Stoic philosophy is the pursuit of virtue – living a moral and ethical life. The Stoics believed that virtue is the highest good and the key to a fulfilled life.
Virtue, in Stoic terms, includes wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. It’s about being honest, treating others fairly, and making decisions based on reason rather than emotion or desire.
Striving for virtue isn’t always easy or popular. It often means doing what’s right, even when it’s hard or inconvenient. But in the long run, it leads to a sense of peace, satisfaction, and respect that no external achievement or possession can provide.
So, strive for virtue in all you do. It’s the most important step on the path to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
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.
