Have you ever felt like you were treading water in life, unable to move forward no matter how hard you tried?
That was me.
I was trapped in a cycle of overthinking, and each day felt like an insurmountable obstacle. I couldn’t figure out why I felt so stuck.
It wasn’t until I stumbled upon the teachings of Stoicism that things began to change. Through the words of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca, I found the guidance and clarity that I had been searching for.
I discovered five things I had to let go of. These were the invisible chains holding me back, preventing me from living fully and freely. By embracing Stoic principles and relinquishing these burdens, I began to see life from a new perspective.
Today, I want to share these insights with you, hoping they might help you as much as they helped me.
Let’s dive in.
1) The illusion of control
For a long time, I was consumed by the need to control every aspect of my life.
I meticulously planned, worried, and stressed over outcomes, believing that if I just tried hard enough, I could bend reality to my will. However, this illusion of control only led to frustration and disappointment. It was a never-ending battle against the unpredictable nature of life.
Stoicism taught me a crucial lesson: true peace comes from recognizing what is within our control and what is not. As Epictetus wisely stated:
“Of all existing things some are in our power and others are not in our power. In our power are thought, impulse, will to get and will to avoid, and in a word everything which is our own doing. Things not in our power include the body, property, reputation, office, and in a word everything which is not our own doing.”
This quote struck a chord with me. I realized that I was wasting precious energy on things I could never control—other people’s opinions, external events, and even the outcome of my efforts.
Here are a few examples of how this played out in my life:
- Other People’s Opinions: I used to obsess over what others thought of me. Whether it was colleagues, friends, or even strangers, their opinions could make or break my day. I’d replay conversations in my head, trying to figure out if I said the right thing or if I came across well. This constant need for approval was exhausting and futile because I couldn’t control how others perceived me.
- External Events: I often found myself anxious about global events—natural disasters, political upheavals, and economic downturns. I’d spend hours reading news articles and worrying about how these events might impact my life. Yet, despite all my fretting, I couldn’t change these external circumstances.
- Outcomes of My Efforts: I would put immense pressure on myself to achieve specific outcomes in my work and personal projects. When things didn’t go as planned, I’d feel like a failure. For instance, if a project at work didn’t receive the recognition I hoped for, I’d be deeply disappointed, even though I couldn’t control how others responded to my work.
By focusing on these uncontrollable aspects, I was draining my energy and setting myself up for constant stress. Shifting my focus to what I could control—my thoughts, actions, and responses—was liberating. I began to invest my energy in what I could change: my responses, my attitudes, and my decisions.
Letting go of the illusion of control was transformative. I no longer felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. Instead, I embraced a more balanced and peaceful approach to life.
3) Attachment to material possessions
“if nothing will serve a man but rich clothes and furniture, statues and plate, a numerous train of servants, and the rarities of all nations, it is not Fortune’s fault but his own that he is not satisfied: for his desires are insatiable and this is not a thirst but a disease; and if he were master of the whole world, he would be still a beggar.”—Seneca (Seneca’s Morals, 1882)
For many years, I believed that accumulating material possessions would bring me happiness and security. I thought that having more would make me feel more complete, more successful, and more respected.
However, the more I acquired, the more I realized how empty and unfulfilled I felt. The pursuit of material wealth became an endless race, one that left me exhausted and constantly wanting more.
Seneca’s words illuminated the futility of this pursuit. He pointed out that the insatiable desire for material goods is a self-inflicted trap, one that keeps us perpetually dissatisfied. This realization hit me hard. I began to see that my attachment to possessions was a significant barrier to my happiness and growth.
Here’s how I shifted my focus from materialism to what truly matters:
- Prioritizing Experiences Over Things: I began to value experiences and relationships more than material possessions. I invested in meaningful activities that brought joy and fulfillment, such as spending time with loved ones, traveling, and pursuing hobbies.
- Practicing Gratitude: I adopted a daily gratitude practice, acknowledging the abundance already present in my life. This helped me appreciate what I had and reduced my desire for more.
- Decluttering and Simplifying: I took steps to declutter my life, getting rid of items that no longer served a purpose. This not only created physical space but also mental clarity and a sense of freedom.
- Aligning with Values: I started making decisions based on my core values rather than societal expectations. This shift helped me focus on what truly mattered to me, rather than chasing superficial symbols of success.
Letting go of my attachment to material possessions was liberating.
It allowed me to find contentment in simplicity and focus on what genuinely brought me joy and fulfillment. By shifting my mindset and embracing a more minimalist approach, I discovered that true wealth lies not in what we own, but in how we live and the relationships we nurture.
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.
