When it comes to navigating life, there’s often a gap between knowing what’s best for us and actually doing it. That’s where Stoicism steps in.
Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy, offers practical wisdom for making better decisions in life. It’s about letting go of things we can’t control and focusing on what we can: our actions, attitudes, and reactions.
If you’re keen on making smarter choices and leading a more fulfilling life, it’s time to embrace these 8 Stoic principles.
Introducing these principles into your daily routine might not be easy at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. So, are you ready to say hello to a more stoic lifestyle?
1) Understand what’s in your control
One of the cornerstones of Stoicism is the understanding that we can’t control everything in life.
We often find ourselves tangled in worries about the future, or regrets about the past, which ultimately, are beyond our control. This not only takes a toll on our mental health but also hampers our decision-making process.
Stoicism teaches us to differentiate between what’s in our control and what’s not. It encourages us to focus on our actions and reactions, rather than fretting over unpredictable external circumstances.
This principle of Stoicism can be a game-changer when it comes to making better life decisions. It promotes clarity of thought and helps us avoid unnecessary stress, thereby enabling us to make sound decisions.
So next time you find yourself worrying about something, take a step back and ask yourself – “Is this within my control?” If not, let go and focus on what you can actually influence.
Remember, it’s all about controlling your actions, not the outcome.
2) Embrace the obstacle
Stoicism encourages us to see obstacles not as hindrances, but opportunities for growth.
I remember when I first started my journey as a writer. I was passionate, excited, and eager to share my thoughts with the world.
But as expected, things didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped. I faced endless rejections, harsh criticisms, and at times, crippling self-doubt.
I could have seen these obstacles as signs that I wasn’t cut out for this, that I was destined for failure. But instead, inspired by Stoicism, I chose to see them as opportunities to grow.
Each rejection taught me resilience. Each criticism helped me refine my writing skills. The self-doubt pushed me to work harder, to prove myself wrong.
Embracing the obstacle didn’t make the path easy, but it made the journey worthwhile. It pushed me to persevere, to improve, and eventually, to succeed.
In life, we’re bound to face obstacles. But by adopting the Stoic principle of embracing the obstacle, we can turn those challenges into stepping stones towards personal growth and better decision-making.
3) Practice negative visualization
Negative visualization may sound counterproductive, but it’s a powerful Stoic technique for better decision making.
The principle involves envisioning the worst-case scenarios or the loss of things we value. For instance, imagine losing your job, or your health deteriorating, or even losing a loved one.
This might seem like a pessimistic approach, but in fact, it serves a dual purpose.
Firstly, by visualizing the worst-case scenarios, you become better prepared to face them, should they occur. Secondly, it brings about a renewed appreciation for what you currently have.
Moreover, it’s interesting to note that modern psychology supports this practice.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a widely recognized form of psychotherapy, employs a similar technique called ‘Decatastrophizing‘.
Like negative visualization, Decatastrophizing also involves imagining the worst outcomes to help reduce anxiety and improve decision making.
So, by practicing negative visualization, you’re not only adopting a Stoic principle but also leveraging a technique backed by modern psychological research. It’s all about being prepared and appreciating the present moment.
4) Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness and Stoicism go hand in hand when it comes to making better life decisions.
Stoicism teaches us to live in the present moment, to be fully aware and engaged in what’s happening right now. It discourages us from dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, as these are things we cannot control.
Practicing mindfulness allows us to be fully present and engaged in our current activities. It clears our mind from distractions, enabling us to make well-thought-out decisions.
In a world that’s constantly buzzing with information and distractions, mindfulness can be a powerful tool. It helps us to slow down, to focus on the task at hand, and ultimately, to make more informed and rational decisions.
So next time you’re faced with a decision, take a deep breath, focus on the present moment, and let mindfulness guide your way.
5) Show kindness and empathy
Stoicism isn’t just about personal growth and better decision-making; it’s also about building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of empathy and kindness towards others.
In our pursuit of making life decisions, we often overlook the importance of empathy and kindness. But Stoicism reminds us that as social beings, our actions and decisions inevitably affect those around us.
Showing kindness, understanding other’s perspectives, and acting with empathy can significantly impact the decisions we make. It’s not just about what’s best for us, but also what’s best for those around us.
The beauty of this Stoic principle lies in its simplicity. A kind word, a simple act of understanding, or even a gentle smile can make a world of difference.
So remember, as you navigate through life’s ups and downs, making decisions along the way – don’t forget to wear your heart on your sleeve.
Show kindness, be empathetic, and let these virtues guide your path.
6) Accept change as a part of life
Change is a constant in life. No matter how much we plan and strategize, there will always be factors that prompt a shift in our course.
I’ve always been a meticulous planner, someone who thrives on routine and structure. But over the years, I’ve learned that not all things go according to plan.
A few years ago, I lost my job unexpectedly.
It was a sudden change that threw me off balance. I was scared, unsure of what the future held for me.
But then, I turned to Stoicism.
It taught me to accept change as an inevitable part of life. Rather than resisting change, I began to embrace it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
This shift in perspective didn’t just help me bounce back, but also made me more adaptable and resilient in the face of future changes.
Accepting change doesn’t mean we stop planning or striving for stability. It just means we become more flexible, more adaptable, and ultimately, better equipped to make sound decisions no matter what life throws at us.
7) See life as a teacher
In the grand scheme of life, every experience, every encounter, and every challenge is an opportunity to learn. This is a key principle in Stoicism that can greatly enhance our decision-making abilities.
The idea is to approach life with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Whether it’s a personal failure, a professional setback, or even a global pandemic, there’s always something to learn.
These lessons don’t just enrich our knowledge but also shape our character and judgment. They allow us to make more informed decisions and develop resilience in the face of adversity.
So, as you navigate through your journey, remember to see life as your greatest teacher. Embrace the lessons it offers, grow from your experiences, and let this learning guide your decisions.
8) Make virtue your end goal
At the heart of Stoicism lies the principle of virtue – the idea that good character and moral integrity should guide our actions and decisions.
Stoics believe that virtue is the highest form of goodness and the only thing truly worth pursuing. It’s not about material wealth, social status, or personal achievements, but about being a good, virtuous person.
This might seem like a lofty ideal, but it’s a powerful guiding principle when it comes to decision making. When virtue becomes our end goal, we start making decisions that align with our core values and moral convictions.
It encourages us to act with honesty, courage, fairness, and kindness – not because these actions will reward us materially, but because they are the right things to do.
So if you’re striving to make better life decisions, let virtue be your guide. Aim for goodness in all your actions and let this pursuit lead your way.
Final thoughts: It’s about the journey
The beauty of Stoicism lies in its simplicity and the profound impact it can have on our lives.
These 8 Stoic principles are not just philosophical musings, but practical tools for better decision making.
Marcus Aurelius, one of the most well-known Stoic philosophers, once said, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
In essence, Stoicism empowers us to take charge of our thoughts, attitudes, and actions – to make better decisions that align with our core values and contribute to our overall well-being.
So as you embark on your journey towards better decision-making, remember that it’s not about achieving perfection. It’s about continuous learning, growing, and striving for virtue in our everyday lives. Let these Stoic principles guide your path and illuminate your journey.
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.
