Living as a Stoic isn’t about transforming into a emotionless statue or pretending that everything is just peachy when it’s clearly not. Nope, not even close.
Stoicism is about cultivating inner peace and resilience by focusing on what we can control, accepting what we cannot, and striving to live virtuously and do good in every aspect of life.
In this article, we’ll delve into some straightforward ways to incorporate Stoicism into your daily grind.
Whether you’re a philosophy buff or just someone trying to navigate through the chaos of life, these tips can help you face whatever comes your way with resilience and grace.
01 Understand what you can control
“Of all existing things some are in our power, and others are not in our power. In our power are thought, impulse, will to get and will to avoid, and, in a word, everything which is our own doing. Things not in our power include the body, property, reputation, office, and, in a word, everything which is not our own doing.” – Epictetus (The Discourses of Epictetus , 1916, Enchiridon)
Ever found yourself banging your head against the wall over something you had absolutely no control over?
We’ve all been there.
But what if you could channel that energy into areas where you can actually make a difference?
Stoicism teaches us that the key to maintaining our sanity in this chaotic world is understanding the difference between things we can control and things we can’t.
The weather, the traffic, other people’s opinions – these are all out of our hands.
On the other hand, our thoughts, our actions, and our responses – these are within our power.
02 Live in the present
Picture this: you’re on a beautiful beach, the sun is setting, and the waves are gently lapping at your feet. But instead of enjoying the moment, you’re worrying about the work that’s piling up back home. Sound familiar?
One of the key tenets of Stoicism is living in the present moment. As Marcus Aurelius wrote “Each of us lives only in the present, this brieft moment; the rest is either a life that is past, or is an uncertain future ” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
The past is gone, and the future is uncertain. The only thing we truly have control over is the here and now. Yet, we often spend so much time dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about future uncertainties that we forget to live in the present.
Living in the present doesn’t mean ignoring our past or not planning for our future.
Instead, it’s about fully immersing ourselves in whatever we’re doing or whoever we’re with at this very moment. It’s about appreciating the here and now, instead of constantly longing for something else or somewhere else.
03 Practice gratitude
“Do not think of what are absent as though they were not existing, but ponder on the most fortunate of what you have got, and on account of them remind yourself how they would have been missed, if they had not been here.” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
A few years ago, I found myself stuck in a rut. I was constantly stressed, anxious, and dissatisfied with my life. Then one day, a friend suggested I try keeping a gratitude journal.
Initially, I was skeptical. How could writing down things I was thankful for change anything? But I decided to give it a shot.
Every night before bed, I would write down three things I was grateful for. It could be anything – a delicious meal, a productive day at work, or even just a beautiful sunset. At first, it felt like a chore. But over time, something shifted.
I started noticing and appreciating the little things in life that I had previously taken for granted. My stress levels decreased, my mood improved, and I felt more content with my life. It turns out this simple practice of gratitude had a profound impact on my outlook.
This aligns well with Stoicism, which encourages us to appreciate what we have rather than constantly seeking more.
So give it a try – start your own gratitude journal and see how it can transform your perspective and improve your overall well-being.
04 Accept change
Change is inevitable. Seasons change, people change, and yes, we change too. Fighting this natural process of life can lead to frustration and unhappiness.
Stoicism teaches us to embrace change rather than resist it.
Think of it this way: you’re sailing in the ocean. You can’t control the wind or the waves, but you can adjust your sails to reach your destination. In the same way, we can’t control many of the changes that happen in our lives, but we can adjust our attitudes and actions to navigate through them.
Embracing change doesn’t mean we have to like it or agree with it. It simply means acknowledging it as a part of life and adapting accordingly.
05 Always Be Learning
A key tenet of Stoicism is the pursuit of wisdom through continuous learning and self-improvement.
This philosophy encourages us to seek knowledge, not just for its own sake but as a means to live a better life.
This isn’t just about formal education; it’s about maintaining a curious and open mind. This can involve reading books, listening to podcasts, taking courses, or simply being attentive to the lessons that everyday life offers.
The Stoics believed that wisdom comes from both study and experience, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning.
06 Practice negative visualization
Now, you might be thinking, “Negative visualization? Isn’t that the exact opposite of positive thinking?” You’re not wrong, but let me explain.
Stoicism isn’t about seeing the world through rose-colored glasses; it’s about seeing the world as it is – both the good and the bad. And sometimes, imagining the worst-case scenario can actually help us appreciate what we have and be better prepared for life’s curveballs.
A personal example: I used to get incredibly stressed about public speaking. The thought of messing up or forgetting my lines would keep me up at night.
But when I started practicing negative visualization, things changed. I imagined myself stumbling over my words or drawing a blank in front of an audience. It was uncomfortable, sure, but it also helped me realize that even if my worst fears came true, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I’d be embarrassed, yes, but life would go on.
And guess what? The more I visualized it, the less scary it seemed. When I finally had to give a speech, I was less anxious and more prepared to handle any mishaps.
So give it a try. Visualize your fears, confront them, and watch them lose their power over you.
07 Remember That You Will Die (Memento Mori)
“Memento Mori” is a powerful Stoic practice that translates to “remember you will die.”
While it might sound morbid, it’s actually a profound reminder to live life fully and intentionally. The Stoics believed that by acknowledging our mortality, we can focus on what truly matters, letting go of trivial worries and making the most of our limited time.
Contemplating death isn’t about fear; it’s about clarity. It helps us prioritize our values, make better decisions, and appreciate the present moment.
Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, often meditated on this concept. He wrote in his “Meditations”: “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”
Practicing Memento Mori can be as simple as taking a moment each day to reflect on the transient nature of life. This isn’t about being morose but about cultivating gratitude and urgency. It can help us appreciate our loved ones, focus on meaningful activities, and live without regret.
Join the conversation
Living as a Stoic doesn’t mean suppressing your emotions or becoming indifferent to life’s ups and downs.
It’s about understanding what is within your control, learning from your experiences, embracing change, and cultivating inner peace.
We’d love to hear about your experiences with Stoicism. Have you tried any of these methods? What were the results? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Stoicism and explore more ways it can enhance your life, consider signing up for our Stoic email newsletter. You’ll get regular insights, tips, and real-world applications aimed at helping you live a more resilient and meaningful life.
Until next time, stay Stoic.
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.
