Stoicism is essentially about mental strength. It’s about exercising resilience, acceptance, and focus in our day-to-day lives.
It’s a philosophy that can make us mentally stronger, help us to deal with life’s curveballs and keep us level-headed even in the face of adversity.
But what does it take to be a Stoic? Is it attainable for you and me?
Absolutely.
In fact, you may already be practicing Stoicism without even realizing it!
That’s right.
If you’ve adopted certain habits in your life, there’s a good chance you’re mentally stronger than the average person, thanks to your Stoic tendencies.
So let’s dive into those habits and see if you recognize yourself in them.
1) Doing the right thing when no one is watching
The ancient Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius once said, “Whatever anyone may do or say, I am bound to be good.”
This quote encapsulates the Stoic commitment to virtue and integrity, regardless of external circumstances or the presence of an audience.
Imagine this: You’re at work late one night, and you discover an error that could easily be overlooked. No one would know if you simply ignored it, and addressing it would mean extra effort on your part.
But if you choose to correct it, you’re demonstrating a commitment to doing the right thing, driven by your own ethical standards rather than external validation.
This habit of acting with integrity builds mental strength because it reinforces a sense of self-worth and personal accountability. It means you’re not swayed by external opinions or temptations, but rather guided by an internal compass of what is right. This consistency in your actions cultivates a deep sense of trust in yourself, which is crucial for mental resilience.
By doing the right thing even when no one is watching, you’re not just aligning with Stoic values, but also strengthening your character and fortifying your mental resilience. This inner commitment to goodness helps you stay grounded and focused on what truly matters, irrespective of external chaos or societal pressures.
If you recognize this habit in yourself, it’s a testament to your mental fortitude and Stoic tendencies. Keep nurturing this quality, as it will serve you well in maintaining inner peace and a strong moral foundation in all aspects of life.
2) Embracing the concept of “Amor Fati”
Ever come across the phrase “Amor Fati”?
It’s a Latin term that means “love of fate”. Stoics firmly believe in embracing whatever life throws at them, whether it’s good, bad, or downright ugly.
And it’s not just about accepting these events. It’s about loving them.
Sounds challenging, right?
Well, that’s where the mental strength comes in. If you have the habit of accepting and loving what life throws at you, you’re showing a level of resilience that’s admirable.
Let’s face it: life is unpredictable. It can be a rollercoaster of highs and lows. But if you’re able to love your fate – no matter what it looks like – you’re demonstrating a stoic habit that sets you apart from the average person.
3) Practicing daily reflection
I’ll be honest. I wasn’t always a fan of reflection.
I used to think it was a waste of time, dwelling on the past. But when I started reading about Stoicism, I realized that reflection isn’t about dwelling. It’s about learning.
So, I started incorporating it into my daily routine.
Every night before bed, I would reflect on my day and evaluate my actions, decisions, and interactions.
Did I handle that argument at work in the best possible way? Could I have been more patient?
This wasn’t about beating myself up over mistakes. It was about identifying areas where I could do better.
And let me tell you, it made a world of difference.
I found myself becoming more patient, more empathetic, and even more resilient. It was like I was strengthening my mental muscles every day.
If you also have this habit of daily reflection, you’re on the path of Stoicism. This habit not only makes you a better person but also mentally stronger than most people out there.
4) Living in the present
I used to be a huge worrier. I’d fret about future projects, mull over past mistakes, and let my worries overshadow my life. But you know what I realized?
The past is gone. The future hasn’t happened yet. And all that worry? It was just draining my mental energy and robbing me of the joy that exists in the present moment.
Stoicism taught me to focus on the now.
It’s not always easy. Sometimes, my mind still drifts back to that embarrassing incident from last year or leaps forward to a presentation next month.
But when it does, I gently bring it back to the present. I remind myself that this moment, right here, right now, is what truly matters.
This habit of living in the present doesn’t just make me happier. It makes me mentally stronger.
Because instead of wasting energy on things I can’t change or predict, I’m focusing on what I can control – my actions and responses in the here and now.
5) Not letting material possessions control you
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy the comforts of life as much as the next person. A cozy home, a reliable car, a good pair of shoes – they all make life more enjoyable.
But here’s the thing.
These are just things. I’ve come to realize that, they don’t define me. They don’t dictate my happiness.
Stoics understand this concept deeply. They believe in enjoying material possessions but not being attached to them.
And once you manage to detach your happiness from material things, you’ll find an incredible sense of freedom and mental strength.
Because when we’re not constantly chasing after the next big thing, we can focus on what truly matters – our character, our values, and our relationships.
6) Treating others with respect and kindness
We all have bad days.Days when our patience runs thin, our tempers flare up, and we may not treat others as kindly as we should.
But here’s the thing about Stoics. They understand that everyone is fighting their own battles. Therefore, they make it a point to treat others with respect and kindness, regardless of how they’re feeling.
It’s not always easy. Trust me, I know.
There have been days when I’ve had to bite my tongue or take a deep breath before responding. But every time I choose kindness over anger, I feel a little stronger.
Why?
Because it takes mental strength to choose empathy over judgement, kindness over rudeness, especially when you’re having a tough day.
Do you find yourself consistently treating others with respect and kindness, no matter what kind of day you’re having?
If so, give yourself a pat on the back. This stoic habit is a true testament to your mental strength.
The bottom line
If you find yourself recognizing these habits in your daily life, you’re already on the path of Stoicism. You’re harnessing an inner strength that’s more formidable than you may realize.
Stoicism isn’t about being emotionless or detached; it’s about cultivating mental resilience and living in alignment with your values. By embracing these habits, you’re not only improving your mental fortitude but also setting yourself up for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
And if you found this exploration into Stoic habits insightful, why not stay connected? Join our newsletter below to receive more tips, insights, and practical advice on living a mentally stronger and more fulfilling life.
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.
