There’s a clear distinction between mindlessly going through life and living with intention.
This difference boils down to two things: clarity and focus. Living without them is like navigating through fog – you’re essentially just existing.
Embracing Stoicism, however, is like switching on your high beams in that fog. It brings a sense of direction, sharpness, and purpose to your life.
In this piece, we dive into six Stoic habits that can guide you towards a more directed and meaningful life.
1) Embrace the present
“Each of us lives only in the present, this brief moment; the rest is either a life that is past or is an uncertain future” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Stoicism teaches us that the present moment is all we truly have.
Often, our minds are either stuck replaying past events or worrying about the future. This can make us feel like we’re constantly being pulled in two different directions, which can be mentally exhausting and distract us from what’s happening right now.
But embracing the present is about more than just “living in the moment”. It’s about acknowledging that the past can’t be changed and the future can’t be predicted.
This Stoic habit encourages us to focus on the things we can control in our current circumstances. It’s about taking action now, rather than dwelling on what could have been or what might happen.
By shifting your focus to the present, you can achieve a sense of clarity and direction that can help guide your decisions and actions. It’s a simple practice, but its impact on your mental clarity and focus can be profound.
2) Accept what you cannot control
Stoicism has taught me a valuable lesson about acceptance, particularly when it comes to things beyond my control.
I remember a time when I was working on a significant project. Everything was going according to plan until one day, out of the blue, a key member of my team resigned. Suddenly, the project’s future was in jeopardy, and I found myself stressed and anxious, trying to figure out how to keep things on track.
Then, I remembered the Stoic principle of acceptance. Although I couldn’t control my team member’s decision to leave, I could, however, control my reaction and subsequent actions.
Instead of panicking or blaming myself for something I couldn’t control, I focused on finding solutions. I restructured the team, redistributed the tasks, and we managed to complete the project successfully.
This Stoic habit of accepting what we can’t control allows us to redirect our energy toward actionable areas. It brings clarity by helping us identify what’s really worth our attention and focus.
3) Set clear goals
“When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.” – Seneca (Moral letters to Lucilius/Letter 71)
Setting clear goals is essential in directing your efforts and maintaining focus. Without specific objectives, you may find yourself adrift, wasting time and energy on unimportant tasks.
Stoicism emphasizes the importance of having a clear sense of purpose and direction. By setting well-defined goals, you create a roadmap for your journey, ensuring that your actions are aligned with your values and long-term vision.
By setting clear goals, you harness the power of intention, transforming abstract desires into concrete plans. This Stoic habit empowers you to navigate life’s challenges with purpose and focus, ensuring that every effort you make propels you closer to your desired outcome.
4) Meditate on mortality
Stoicism encourages us to reflect on our mortality regularly. This might sound morbid, but it’s actually a practice aimed at enhancing our appreciation of life.
By reminding ourselves that life is transient and that we’re not promised a tomorrow, we’re encouraged to make the most of the present. This thought helps us weed out unimportant distractions, allowing us to focus on what truly matters.
Meditating on mortality can bring about a profound sense of perspective, grounding us in the present moment and prompting us to live our lives with purpose and clarity. It’s a reminder of life’s fleeting nature and an invitation to live fully and meaningfully.
5) Focus on living by your values (even when it’s hard)
“Whatever anyone may do or say, I am bound to be good” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Stoicism places immense importance on living according to one’s values, regardless of external circumstances or pressures. This principle can be challenging but ultimately leads to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Living by your values means identifying what truly matters to you and making decisions that align with those principles. It’s about being true to yourself, even when it’s difficult or when others might not understand or support your choices.
For instance, there was a period in my life when I faced significant pressure to conform to a corporate culture that didn’t resonate with my values. Despite the lucrative nature of the job, I found myself increasingly unhappy and out of alignment with who I wanted to be.
It was during this time that I stumbled upon Stoic teachings, which emphasized integrity and personal virtue over external success.
Inspired by these principles, I made the tough decision to leave that job and pursue a path that felt more authentic to me. It wasn’t easy, and it came with its own set of challenges, but the clarity and sense of purpose I gained from aligning my actions with my values were invaluable.
When you commit to living by your values, you may face obstacles and resistance, but the clarity and satisfaction that come from staying true to yourself far outweigh the temporary discomfort. This practice brings a deeper sense of purpose and direction, guiding you toward a life of greater fulfillment and meaning.
6) Don’t be distracted by what others think
“How great a rest from labour he gains who does not look to what his neighbour says or does or thinks but only what himeslf is doing” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
One of the core tenets of Stoicism is the understanding that you cannot control what others think or say about you. Allowing yourself to be swayed by external opinions can lead to unnecessary stress and detract from your true path.
Stoic philosophy teaches us to focus on our own actions and judgments rather than seeking validation from others.
Reflecting on a personal experience, there was a time when I found myself overly concerned with others’ opinions, which influenced my decisions and led to a lack of direction. It was through studying Stoicism that I learned to detach from this need for external validation. I began to trust my own judgment and focus on what aligned with my values. This shift not only reduced my anxiety but also brought a sense of freedom and authenticity to my life.
By not being distracted by what others think, you reclaim your personal power and autonomy. This Stoic habit encourages you to act according to your principles, leading to a more focused, intentional, and fulfilling life. It helps you to stay true to yourself, regardless of the noise and opinions surrounding you.
7) Practice daily reflection
The habit of daily reflection is perhaps the most powerful tool in the Stoic arsenal for gaining clarity and focus. It’s about taking time each day to review your thoughts, actions, and experiences.
This practice allows us to learn from our mistakes, celebrate our wins, and identify areas for improvement. It encourages us to question our assumptions, challenge our biases, and align our actions with our values.
By regularly engaging in self-reflection, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. This understanding can provide us with the clarity we need to navigate life’s complexities and the focus to pursue what truly matters.
Final thoughts: It’s about the journey
The pursuit of clarity and focus is not a destination, but rather a journey. And like any journey, it’s paved with habits and practices that guide us along the way.
Stoicism offers us these guiding habits, from embracing the present to practicing daily reflection. They provide us with a compass, directing us toward a life of intention, resilience, and virtue.
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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.
