If you genuinely want to be happier in life, say hello to these 7 Stoic principles

Ever heard of Stoicism?

It’s an ancient philosophy, born in Athens around 300 B.C. The Stoics were big on wisdom, integrity, and personal freedom, and their principles are still relevant today.

In fact, they might just be the key to a happier life (yes, there’s solid science backing this).

But here’s the deal.

You might think that happiness is about chasing pleasures or avoiding pain. That’s what we’re often led to believe, right? But the Stoics beg to differ.

They propose a radically different approach – one that places the power of happiness right in our hands. And it all boils down to seven simple principles.

So if you’re asking yourself, “How can I be genuinely happier in life?”, you’ve come to the right place. Say hello to these seven Stoic principles and prepare to see your life in a whole new light.

1) Embrace the dichotomy of control

Ever found yourself stressing over things you can’t control?

It’s a common trap we all fall into. We worry about the weather, the traffic, other people’s opinions. But the Stoics have a solution.

They call it the dichotomy of control.

This principle is all about understanding what’s in our control and what’s not (hint: a lot less is in our control than we think). It encourages us to focus only on the things we can change and let go of the rest.

By doing so, we can minimize unnecessary stress and anxiety, leaving more room for peace and happiness. It’s not about being passive, but rather about wisely investing our energy where it truly matters.

So, next time you find yourself worrying about something, ask yourself: “Is this in my control?” If not, let it go. It can be liberating!

2) Practice negative visualization

Sounds ominous, doesn’t it?

But hear me out.

Negative visualization is not about being a pessimist. Instead, it’s a Stoic exercise to appreciate what we have by imagining life without it.

Let me share a personal story.

I used to take my health for granted until I sprained my ankle during a hike.

Suddenly, I couldn’t enjoy my favorite activities and even walking became a painful chore. It was during this time that I came across the Stoic principle of negative visualization.

So, I started imagining what life would be like if I could never walk again.

It was a scary thought, but it made me appreciate my usual mobility in a way I never had before. And when my ankle finally healed, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for something as simple as being able to walk.

Practicing negative visualization can remind us of the value of things we often overlook, and in turn, boost our overall happiness. Remember, it’s not about dwelling on the negatives but appreciating the positives more deeply.

3) Accept impermanence

Change is inevitable, right?

We all know that, yet we often resist it, clinging to the familiar and fearing the unknown.

But here’s a Stoic principle for you – accept impermanence.

Everything around us, including ourselves, is constantly changing. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s not so good. But the reality is, it’s all part of life. This acceptance can help us better navigate through life’s ups and downs.

I used to struggle with this a lot.

I wanted things to remain the same – my relationships, my job, even my favorite coffee shop.

But things changed. My best friend moved away, my job role evolved, my beloved coffee shop closed down.

Initially, I was upset.

But then I remembered the Stoic principle of accepting impermanence.

I realized that change wasn’t necessarily bad. It was just different.

My friend moving opened up opportunities for new friendships. My job evolution led me to learn new skills. The closure of my coffee shop led me to discover a new one which I now adore.

So here’s the deal.

By accepting and embracing change rather than resisting it, we can experience less stress and more peace in our lives. And who knows? We might even open ourselves up to new and exciting possibilities we never saw coming.

4) Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness — it’s a word that’s thrown around a lot these days.

But the Stoics were way ahead of the curve. They understood the value of being present and fully engaged in the current moment.

Why?

Because the past is gone, and the future hasn’t happened yet. What we have is now, this very moment.

And yet, we often find ourselves lost in past regrets or future anxieties, missing out on the richness of the present.

Practicing mindfulness means embracing the present, soaking in our surroundings, and engaging in our current tasks with full attention and focus. It’s about living in the ‘here and now’.

This doesn’t mean we can’t learn from our past or plan for our future.

But letting these thoughts consume us? That’s where the problem lies.

By practicing mindfulness, we can reduce anxiety, boost our mood, and appreciate the simple joys of life that are happening right now. And that’s a sure-fire way to be genuinely happier.

5) Use obstacles as opportunities

Ever heard of the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”?

Well, the Stoics were all over that concept.

They believed that every obstacle in life presents an opportunity for growth. It’s all about perspective.

Did you know that the famous Stoic philosopher, Seneca, was once exiled to Corsica?

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, he used this time to write and contemplate, producing some of his best work.

So next time you face a setback, remember this Stoic principle. Rather than seeing it as a hindrance, consider it a stepping stone towards something better.

This shift in perspective can help reduce stress and increase resilience. Plus, it might just lead you to unexpected places. And isn’t that an exciting thought?

6) Develop empathy

We all have our struggles.

That’s a universal truth. It doesn’t matter who we are or where we’re from, life throws challenges at us all.

And that’s where the Stoic principle of empathy comes in.

Empathy is about understanding and sharing the feelings of others. It’s about recognizing that everybody is fighting their own battles, some visible and some not.

Once, I met a woman at a conference. She seemed aloof and unapproachable. Initially, I felt put off. But then I remembered the Stoic principle of empathy.

I made an effort to engage her in conversation and found out she was going through a rough divorce. Her aloofness was her way of coping with her pain.

Once I understood this, my initial perception changed, and we ended up supporting each other throughout the event.

Embracing empathy allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering meaningful relationships and nurturing our own happiness along the way.

So next time you encounter someone who seems a little off, remember, they could be fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.

7) Pursue virtue

At the heart of Stoicism lies one fundamental principle – the pursuit of virtue.

This might sound old-fashioned, but it’s essentially about striving to be the best version of ourselves. It’s about honesty, courage, wisdom, and justice.

In a world that often prioritizes material success, the Stoics remind us that virtue is the highest good. It’s not about what we have, but who we are as individuals.

When we focus on cultivating our character and living in accordance with our core values, we find a deeper sense of fulfillment and happiness. After all, genuine happiness isn’t found in transient pleasures but in living a life of purpose and meaning.

So strive for virtue. Embrace honesty, show courage, seek wisdom, and uphold justice. Because at the end of the day, it’s these qualities that truly define us and contribute to our overall happiness.

The final thought

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re on a quest for genuine happiness. And that’s a journey worth taking.

But remember this – embracing these Stoic principles isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing practice, a conscious choice we make every day.

Start by observing your thoughts and actions. Notice where you could apply more Stoic wisdom.

Can you let go of things outside your control? Can you be more present? Can you see obstacles as opportunities?

What judgments are holding you back from being genuinely happy? Can you challenge those with Stoic philosophy?

It won’t be an overnight transformation. But each small step towards applying these principles can lead to a significant shift in your overall happiness.