Life can sometimes feel like a messy, chaotic storm that just won’t let up. Between the stress, anxiety, and constant upheaval, you might find yourself longing for a sense of inner calm and control.
This is where Stoicism enters the picture. Not just some abstract, lofty philosophy, Stoicism is a practical, down-to-earth philosophy that’s been around since the ancient Greeks. Big thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus were all about it.
Stoicism is all about finding your inner zen amidst life’s crazy circus. It teaches you to focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t. It’s about keeping your cool, no matter what curveballs life might throw at you.
In this article, we’re going to explore eight steps to help you live like a Stoic.
We’ll delve into practical strategies that can help you manage stress more effectively, make better decisions, and lead a life that’s not just peaceful but meaningful too. So, get ready for a journey into self-development and introspection. Let’s get started on your path to becoming a modern-day Stoic!
01 Understand the basics of Stoicism
Have you ever heard of the phrase, “Change what you can, accept what you can’t”? This concept is at the heart of Stoicism. But what exactly is Stoicism? And how can it help you navigate through life’s ups and downs?
Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that teaches us to focus on what we can control—our actions, our responses, our thoughts—and to accept what we can’t control—the actions of others, the weather, or the fact that your favorite coffee shop just ran out of your favorite brew. The goal is to achieve inner peace and resilience in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.
So, before you dive headfirst into living like a Stoic, take some time to familiarize yourself with its principles. Read up on Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus. Of course, we have you covered on this; check out our blog! In particular, you might want to start with this post.
What Is A Stoic Person? A Beginners Guide
Understanding Stoicism will provide you with a solid foundation as you embark on your journey toward a more peaceful and controlled life.
02 Practice mindfulness
If there’s one thing Stoics are big on, it’s mindfulness. Being present, being in the moment, really soaking up the here and now. This isn’t just some new-age mumbo jumbo; this is about truly experiencing life as it unfolds.
Let me share a personal example. A couple of years ago, I found myself constantly worrying about future events—deadlines at work, upcoming bills, you name it—or dwelling on past mistakes. I was so caught up in my thoughts that I was missing out on my actual life happening right in front of me.
That’s when I discovered mindfulness through Stoicism. It’s about training your mind to focus on the present moment without judgment. Instead of fretting about a meeting tomorrow or regretting an argument from yesterday, you simply acknowledge those thoughts and then let them go.
When you’re mindful, you can fully engage with your current task or enjoy a simple moment like sipping your morning coffee or feeling the sun on your skin. It might seem small, but trust me, it’s transformative. Once you start practicing mindfulness, you’ll begin to realize how much of your life you’ve been missing out on by being caught up in your own thoughts. So why not give it a try?
03 Embrace discomfort
Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it throws challenges at us that we’d much rather avoid. But according to Stoicism, it’s these very challenges that help us grow and become stronger. Instead of shying away from difficult situations, Stoics argue that we should welcome them as opportunities for growth.
For instance, take public speaking. It’s a common fear for many people, but imagine if you could transform that fear into an opportunity for personal development. By facing your fear head-on and pushing through the discomfort, you’re not only improving your public speaking skills but also strengthening your mental resilience.
04 Practice negative visualization
Picture this: You wake up one day, and everything you value is gone—your job, your health, your loved ones. Sounds harsh, doesn’t it? But it’s exactly this kind of mental exercise that Stoics recommend.
This practice, known as negative visualization, isn’t about being pessimistic or fostering a doom-and-gloom outlook. Instead, it’s about appreciating what you have right now. By imagining the worst-case scenario, you’re reminded of how much you have to be grateful for.
Negative visualization also prepares you for life’s inevitable ups and downs. If the worst does happen, you’ve mentally prepared yourself to some extent and can cope better.
Give it a shot. Imagine losing something you value. Then, let that imagined loss fill you with gratitude for what you have now. It’s a powerful practice that can transform your perspective and make you more resilient in the face of adversity.
05 Embrace acceptance
I remember a few years back when I was up for a promotion at work. I had worked tirelessly for months, pulling long hours and going above and beyond. But when the day came, the promotion went to someone else. I was crushed. I felt like all my hard work had been for nothing.
That’s when I turned to Stoicism and the practice of acceptance. Stoicism teaches us that there are things in life we simply can’t control, like the decisions of others. Instead of dwelling on these things and letting them get us down, we can choose to accept them and move forward.
Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation or giving up. It’s about understanding that some things are beyond our control and choosing to focus on what we can change – our actions, our attitudes, and our responses.
06 Emphasize virtue
One of the central tenets of Stoicism is the emphasis on virtue. Stoics believe that living a good life means living a virtuous life. But what exactly does it mean to be virtuous?
Virtue, according to the Stoics, is about living in accordance with nature and reason. It’s about being honest, just, courageous, and wise. It’s about making decisions that are not just beneficial to us, but also to others.
In practical terms, this could mean standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s unpopular. It could mean choosing honesty over deceit, even when lying seems like the easier option. Or it could mean showing kindness and understanding towards others, even when they’ve wronged you.
So, take some time to reflect on your actions and decisions. Are they in line with your values? Are they contributing to your virtues or taking away from them? Remember, living like a Stoic means striving for virtue in all aspects of life.
07 Cultivate gratitude
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to focus on what we lack, what we want, or what others have that we don’t. This constant striving can lead to discontent and unhappiness. Stoicism offers a different approach: gratitude.
Gratitude is a powerful practice that can shift your focus from what’s missing in your life to what’s already there. It’s about appreciating the simplest things—like a sunny day, a good meal, or a kind gesture from a stranger.
Practicing gratitude regularly can transform your outlook on life and boost your overall happiness. It can help you realize that even in difficult times, there’s always something to be thankful for.
You can cultivate gratitude in various ways. You might keep a daily gratitude journal, where you jot down three things each day that you’re grateful for. Or you could make it a habit to express appreciation for the people in your life.
Whichever method you choose, the practice of gratitude can be a game-changer in your journey towards living like a Stoic.
08 Reflect daily
The last step to living like a Stoic is to make time for daily reflection. This is a powerful practice that allows you to review your day, assess your actions, and learn from your experiences.
Think of it as a mental debrief at the end of each day. What went well? What could have been better? Did you act in accordance with your values and virtues?
This isn’t about self-criticism or dwelling on mistakes. Instead, it’s about honest self-assessment and continuous learning.
You might choose to do this in silence, during a quiet moment before bed. Or you could write in a journal, jotting down your thoughts and insights from the day. The method doesn’t matter as much as the practice itself.
By reflecting daily, you’re not only reinforcing the Stoic principles you’re learning, but you’re also cultivating an attitude of continuous self-improvement.
We have you covered here, too; here are 100+ journaling prompts to help you get started.
The bottom line
Living like a Stoic isn’t about suppressing emotions or adopting a passive approach to life. Instead, it’s about cultivating inner peace, resilience, and virtue. It’s about learning to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace, courage, and wisdom.
But of course, these eight steps are just a starting point.
We’d love to hear about your experiences with adopting Stoicism; what would you recommend for those getting started? Feel free to share in the comments below. After all, we’re all on this journey of self-development together.
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.
