Resilience is a trait much sought after, especially in this fast-paced world where change is the only constant. In fact, the World Economic Forum ranked “Resilience, flexibility and agility” as the third most important core skill for workers in their Future Of Jobs 2023 report. But how can one cultivate this trait?
Well, for many (myself included), the answer lies in Stoicism.
Stoicism, an ancient philosophy founded in Athens, has been practiced by leaders, entrepreneurs, and thinkers worldwide for its profound wisdom on resilience and personal growth.
Today, we’ll explore some Stoic teachings that can help you become more resilient in life. By adopting these, you’ll be better equipped to weather life’s storms.
Let’s dive in.
1) Understanding what’s in your control
Let’s start with the first and perhaps most fundamental stoic principle: understanding what’s in your control and what isn’t.
Ask yourself this – how much time do you spend worrying about things beyond your grasp? The weather, traffic, other people’s opinions – aren’t these things outside our control?
Stoics believed in focusing their energy only on things they could influence.
The idea here is to quit wasting your mental energy on stuff you can’t change and channel it towards what you can. This shift in focus not only conserves your mental energy but also empowers you to make a real difference where it counts.
2) Acceptance
Life can be a real pain sometimes. Things go wrong, plans fall apart, and just when you think you’ve got everything under control, life throws a curveball at you.
But here’s the thing – getting all worked up about it isn’t going to change anything.
I remember when I lost my job a few years back. I was frustrated and scared. But then, I took a step back and looked at the situation through the lens of Stoicism. I asked myself – Can I control this? The answer was no.
So, I accepted it. Instead of fretting over something out of my control, I focused on what I could do next.
Acceptance isn’t about passively resigning to your fate; it’s about understanding that sometimes, less-than-perfect stuff happens. And when it does, we have two choices – we can either waste time complaining or accept the situation and focus on our next move. Which sounds more productive to you?
3) Embracing the present moment
“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,” said Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944) , one of the most famous Stoic philosophers.
This quote beautifully encapsulates the third Stoic principle – living in the present.
We often find ourselves stuck in the past, reliving old mistakes, or anxious about an uncertain future. But Stoicism teaches us that all we truly have is the present moment.
By focusing on the here and now, we can make more conscious decisions, appreciate life’s simple pleasures, and avoid unnecessary stress about things that have yet to come.
The beauty of embracing the present moment is that it allows us to fully engage with our lives as they are happening. It’s about letting go of past regrets and future worries and truly experiencing what’s happening right now.
4) Gratitude
Marcus Aurelius, once wrote, “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.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This simple yet profound practice of acknowledging the good in life can help us build resilience by fostering a positive mindset, even in the face of adversity.
According to modern experts, practicing gratitude can also lead to other benefits, such as improved mental health, reduced stress, and better sleep.
So how do we do it?
Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine isn’t just about saying “thank you” more often. It’s about deeply reflecting on the abundance present in your life, even during challenging times.
Each day, take a moment to jot down a few things you’re grateful for. They can be as simple as a warm cup of coffee, a kind gesture from a friend, or a beautiful sunset. This practice can set a positive tone for your day and help maintain a sense of contentment and humility.
5) Indifference toward the trivial
This principle might sound a bit strange initially – what does practicing indifference mean, and how does it help in building resilience?
Well, Stoicism teaches us to be indifferent to things that don’t truly matter in the grand scheme of things.
Stoics believed in distinguishing between things that are essential and those that are trivial. They practiced indifference towards things like fame, wealth, and other external circumstances, focusing instead on inner virtues like wisdom, integrity, and courage.
The idea here is not to become emotionless but to focus your energy and emotions on things that truly enrich your life. By practicing indifference towards the non-essential, you can free up mental space for what truly matters – your growth, your values, your peace of mind.
6) Embracing adversity
When life throws a curveball at you, what’s your reaction? Do you run? Do you hide? Or do you face it head-on?
Stoicism teaches us to do the latter.
Stoics believed that adversity is not something to be feared; instead, it should be seen as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. The challenges we face are not obstacles but stepping stones that push us to become better versions of ourselves. As put by Seneca, “Manliness gains much strength by being challenged” (Ad Lucilium Epistulae Morales,1917).
By embracing adversity, we can build resilience and learn to weather any storm that comes our way.
It’s about shifting your perspective and seeing the silver lining, even in the darkest clouds.
7) Focusing on inner virtues
In a world that often equates success with wealth and status, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters.
The Stoics remind us that true resilience and fulfillment come from developing virtues like wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. These are within our control and provide a stable foundation, irrespective of external circumstances.
By prioritizing inner virtues, we can navigate life’s challenges with greater strength. When faced with difficulties, ask yourself: Am I responding with integrity? Am I acting justly?
This self-reflection can help to align our actions with our values, fostering a sense of inner peace and resilience in purpose.
The bottom line
Resilience is not an inherent trait; it’s a skill that we can cultivate by adopting these Stoic principles.
These teachings empower us to focus on what’s within our control, accept and learn from adversity, and live in the present.
But keep in mind resilience isn’t built in a day. So, start slowly, practice consistently, and watch as these principles transform your life.
We’d love to hear about your journey with Stoicism and how these principles have helped you build resilience. Share your experiences or thoughts in the comments below.
Here’s to a more resilient you!
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.
