Ever feel like life is just one big whirlwind of chaos? You’re not alone.
But what if I told you there’s an ancient philosophy that can help restore some order and peace to your life? And it’s not as complicated as you might think.
Stoicism, my friend, might just be the answer you’re looking for.
Today, I’m going to share with you five simple Stoic principles that could help you live a good life – a calmer, more centered, and fulfilling one.
They helped me. Perhaps they’ll help you too.
Shall we get started?
01 Embrace acceptance
“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.” — Marcus Aurelius
Ever felt like life is just one long fight against… well, everything? I used to feel that way, too.
Then, I stumbled upon Stoicism.
The Stoics taught me a powerful lesson: acceptance. Epictetus, a renowned Stoic philosopher, once said, “Demand not that things happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do, and you will go on well.”
So I gave it a try.
I started by acknowledging whatever was happening in my life, good or bad. Instead of resisting or complaining, I accepted it. Not passively, but actively. It’s not about throwing your hands up and giving in. It’s about understanding that some things are beyond our control.
And guess what?
This shift in perspective changed my life. Suddenly, it wasn’t me against the world anymore. It was me and the world together.
Sounds intriguing? Here’s how you can practice acceptance:
- Become aware: Start by becoming aware of your resistance. Whenever you find yourself struggling against something, pause and recognize it.
- Understand what’s in your control: Distinguish between things you can control and those you can’t. Focus your energy on the former and accept the latter.
- Practice mindfulness: Being present in the moment can help you accept reality as it is without judgment or resistance.
- Reframe: Try to reframe negative situations as opportunities for growth or learning.
- Breathe: When things get tough, remember to breathe. It helps calm your mind and allows for clearer thinking and acceptance.
02 Cultivate resilience
“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.” — Seneca
Life can be tough, can’t it? I’ve had my fair share of struggles. But Stoicism helped me to see these struggles in a different light.
I remember when I lost my job a few years back. It hit me hard. I was worried about my future, my family, and how we were going to make ends meet.
Then, I stumbled upon a quote from the Stoic philosopher Seneca, “Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.”
This got me thinking. Instead of viewing this setback as a disaster, I started viewing it as an opportunity to grow and build resilience.
I set about finding new work, but in the meantime, I also took the opportunity to explore new skills and passions. It wasn’t easy, but with time and persistence, I was able to bounce back stronger and more resilient than before.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about growing from our struggles.
03 Practice self-discipline
It’s often easier to give in to our impulses than to exercise self-discipline. Whether it’s hitting the snooze button, reaching for that extra cookie, or procrastinating on that important task, we’ve all been there.
Then, I discovered Stoicism.
Epictetus, a famous Stoic philosopher, once said, “No man is free who is not a master of himself.” This hit me hard. I realized that my lack of self-discipline was not only affecting my productivity but also my freedom.
So I decided to make a change.
I started small. First, I tackled my habit of hitting the snooze button. Instead of giving in to the temptation of a few more minutes in bed, I forced myself up as soon as the alarm went off. It was tough at first, but gradually, I got used to it.
This small win gave me the confidence to take on bigger challenges. Today, I’m not perfect by any means but self-discipline is one of my strongest traits.
Self-discipline can be a game-changer in your life, too. Here are some tips on how you can cultivate it:
- Start small: Choose one area in your life where you lack discipline and start with that.
- Set clear goals: Know what you want to achieve and why. This clarity can motivate you when things get tough.
- Practice regularly: Discipline is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
- Reward yourself: Celebrate your small wins. This encourages you to keep going.
04 Practice mindfulness
Have you ever found yourself lost in your thoughts, completely oblivious to the world around you? I know I have.
This mindless wandering often resulted in unnecessary stress and anxiety. I was always worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, rarely ever present in the moment.
Seneca, a renowned Stoic philosopher, emphasized focusing on our own actions and the present moment. This resonated with me deeply. He said: “True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach.”
So, I started practicing mindfulness by paying more attention to my surroundings and my actions. Whether it was feeling the warmth of my morning coffee or truly listening when someone was speaking, I noticed a significant decrease in my stress levels and an increase in my overall contentment.
05 Embrace simplicity
In our fast-paced, consumer-driven society, it’s easy to get caught up in the rat race and lose sight of what truly matters. But then Stoicism introduced me to the beauty of simplicity.
The stoics believed that happiness doesn’t come from external possessions or status but from within. This idea resonated with me deeply.
Seneca, for example, said, “It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” He also noted, “For many men, the acquisition of wealth does not end their troubles; it only changes them”.
So I started decluttering my life. I let go of unnecessary desires, distanced myself from toxic relationships, and started focusing on my inner growth.
The result? A simpler, happier life.
The final thought
These five principles have transformed my life from a constant struggle to a journey of growth and fulfillment. And they have the potential to do the same for you.
Start small. Choose one or two principles to begin with, and see where they lead you.
It’s okay if you find it challenging at first.
Remember, Stoicism (and life in general) isn’t about attaining perfection. It’s about persistently and consistently striving to become a better version of ourselves.
Embrace the journey and keep moving forward. After all, that’s what living a good life according to Stoicism is all about.
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.
