Life’s a journey, but some people seem to have a knack for always moving forward, no matter what life throws at them.
How do they do it?
Well, many of these individuals take cues from the ancient philosophy of Stoicism. It’s all about embracing challenges, maintaining a positive outlook, and focusing on what you can control.
In this article, I’m going to share eight habits that Stoics adopt to keep moving forward in life. These are practices that you can incorporate into your daily routine to help you navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience.
1) Embracing adversity
If there’s one thing that Stoics are known for, it’s their ability to handle adversity.
Stoicism teaches that life is filled with challenges and obstacles. But instead of hiding from them or complaining about them, Stoics choose to embrace them.
Why?
Because they understand that these challenges are opportunities for growth and learning. They’re chances to develop resilience, patience, and courage.
So if you want to move forward in life, start by changing your perspective on adversity. See it not as a setback, but as a stepping stone to becoming a better version of yourself.
It’s not always easy, but with practice (and a little bit of Stoic wisdom), it can become a habit that propels you forward no matter what life throws your way.
2) Focusing on what I can control
One of the most powerful lessons I learned from Stoicism is the idea of focusing on what I can control and letting go of what I can’t.
I remember a time when I was working on a project that was particularly important to me.
Despite my best efforts, things weren’t going as planned. Deadlines were missed, and it seemed like everything that could go wrong was going wrong.
I was stressed and frustrated, to say the least. But then I remembered a quote from Epictetus, a famous Stoic philosopher. He said, “We should always be asking ourselves: ‘Is this something that is, or is not, in my control?'”
I realized that while I couldn’t control everything that was happening with the project, there were still things that were within my control.
I could control how I reacted to the situation, how I managed my time and resources, and how I communicated with my team.
Once I started focusing on these things, I felt a sense of relief.
The situation didn’t change overnight, but my perspective did. And that made all the difference.
This habit of focusing on what we can control helps us to stay grounded in the present moment and keeps us moving forward, even in the face of adversity.
3) Practicing moderation
Stoicism is often associated with a sense of calm and balance, and for good reason. One of the key principles of this philosophy is moderation, both in our actions and our desires.
The Stoic philosopher Epictetus argued that we should strive for a sense of inner harmony by keeping our desires in check. He suggested that by doing so, we can achieve tranquility and contentment.
This idea of moderation extends to every aspect of life, from our consumption habits to our emotions.
Did you know that Stoicism served as a guiding philosophy for one of the most influential people in Roman history, Marcus Aurelius?
He was a Roman emperor who not only practiced Stoicism but also wrote extensively about it.
His writings, collectively known as “Meditations”, remain one of the most significant sources of our understanding of ancient Stoic philosophy.
By practicing moderation, we can maintain a balanced and clear perspective on life, enabling us to move forward without being overly attached or influenced by external factors.
4) Valuing wisdom above all else
If there’s one thing that Stoics value above all else, it’s wisdom. They see it as the ultimate virtue, the key to a good and meaningful life.
And what is wisdom, according to Stoics?
It’s more than just knowledge or intelligence. It’s the ability to see things as they are, to understand the nature of reality, and to make right decisions based on that understanding.
Stoics believe that wisdom can be cultivated through continuous learning and reflection. They encourage asking questions, seeking truth, and challenging our own beliefs.
By valuing and pursuing wisdom, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
This can guide us in making better decisions and help us navigate life’s challenges more effectively, always moving forward with clarity and purpose.
5) Cultivating gratitude
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the good things we have. We often focus on what we lack, the problems we face, and the things we want to achieve.
Stoicism, however, teaches us to cultivate gratitude.
Gratitude is about acknowledging and appreciating what we already have. It’s about finding joy in the simple things and seeing the beauty in everyday life.
This doesn’t mean ignoring our problems or challenges. Instead, it’s about shifting our focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.
Cultivating gratitude is like planting a seed in the heart. It may start small, but with time and care, it can grow into a source of happiness and contentment.
By practicing gratitude regularly, we can develop a more positive outlook on life, which can help us keep moving forward, even in tough times. Because even when things are hard, there’s always something to be grateful for.
6) Practicing self-reflection
I remember a period of my life when I felt particularly lost. I was going through a career transition, and there were so many questions in my mind.
What was I truly passionate about? What did I want to achieve? Where was I headed?
That’s when I stumbled upon the Stoic practice of self-reflection.
Stoicism encourages us to regularly take time for introspection, to examine our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It’s an opportunity to learn more about ourselves, understand our motivations, and align our actions with our values.
So, I started journaling.
I wrote about my thoughts, my fears, my aspirations. It was a journey of self-discovery that helped me gain clarity and direction.
Through self-reflection, we can gain a better understanding of who we are and what we want in life. This clarity can help us make better decisions and take steps that move us forward in the right direction.
7) Accepting change
Change is a fundamental part of life. Seasons change, people change, circumstances change.
Yet, it’s human nature to resist change, often because it brings uncertainty and discomfort.
But Stoicism teaches us to embrace change, not resist it. Stoics believe that everything in life is temporary and that we should live in accordance with this natural flow of life.
They argue that by accepting and embracing change, we can remain at peace regardless of our circumstances. This acceptance allows us to adapt and thrive in any situation.
So instead of resisting or fearing change, we can choose to see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
By doing so, we can navigate life’s ups and downs with more grace and resilience, always moving forward no matter what comes our way.
8) Living according to nature
The most fundamental principle of Stoicism is living in agreement with nature. But what does that really mean?
Living according to nature isn’t about going off-grid or rejecting modern technology.
Rather, it’s about understanding and accepting our natural human capacities and limitations. It’s about recognizing that we are part of a larger whole, interconnected with other people and the world around us.
Stoics believe that by living in harmony with our true nature and the nature of the world, we can find peace, contentment, and fulfilment.
This understanding promotes empathy, compassion, and cooperation – qualities that not only make us better individuals but also contribute to healthier societies.
And by aligning ourselves with nature’s flow, we are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and keep moving forward.
Final takeaway: The Stoic compass
When we delve into the heart of Stoicism, it’s clear that it’s much more than an ancient philosophy. It’s a way of life, a guide to living with integrity, resilience, and wisdom.
The eight habits outlined here reflect the core principles of Stoicism. They are like a compass, guiding us towards a life that is in harmony with our true nature and the world around us.
So whether you’re facing adversity, contemplating change, or seeking wisdom, remember that Stoicism offers a roadmap. It reminds us that life isn’t about avoiding challenges but about embracing them as opportunities for growth.
As we walk this path, we continue to evolve, adapt, and move forward. Not because life is easy but because we have learned – through Stoicism – how to navigate its waves with grace.
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.
