As a mindfulness enthusiast, I’ve spent a great deal of time exploring what it truly means to be happy. And what I’ve discovered is that genuine happiness often comes from adopting Stoic traits.
Stoicism, you ask? Yes, indeed.
It’s an ancient philosophy that emphasizes inner peace, acceptance, and virtue.
And surprisingly, those who are sincerely content with life often exhibit these Stoic characteristics. They may not even realize they’re doing so!
In the following article, we’ll delve into eight Stoic traits shared by genuinely happy people.
Let’s dive in.
1) Embracing the present moment
One of the hallmarks of genuinely happy people is their ability to live in the present. This is also a key tenet of Stoicism.
Stoics believe that the past and the future are beyond our control, and so, it makes sense to focus on the here and now.
While it’s natural for our minds to wander to what has happened or what might happen, Stoics practice mindfulness in order to concentrate on the present moment.
Happy people have incorporated this Stoic trait into their lives, whether they realize it or not. They don’t allow past regrets or future anxieties to steal their joy. Instead, they seize each day as it comes, finding joy in the simple act of being alive and present.
This doesn’t mean they don’t plan for the future or learn from the past. Rather, they understand that dwelling obsessively on these things can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.
2) Accepting what we can’t control
This is a lesson that I’ve learned the hard way. While I’ve had my fair share of challenges. One particular incident stands out.
A few years back, I was working on a major project that I believed would be the next big thing for my website. I had invested a lot of time, effort, and resources into it. But despite all my efforts, the project fell through due to unforeseen circumstances beyond my control.
I was devastated. I spent days ruminating over what went wrong and how I could have avoided the setback. It was during this challenging time that I came across Stoicism.
The Stoic philosophy teaches us to accept things as they are, especially the things we can’t change. This doesn’t mean passively surrendering but rather accepting reality and working with it instead of against it.
I realized that no amount of worry or regret could change what had happened. So, I chose to accept the situation, learn from it, and move on.
This Stoic trait of acceptance is common among genuinely happy people. They understand that not everything is within their control. They focus their energy on things they can change and accept what they can’t.
“To be upset over what you don’t have is to waste what you do have,” said Ken Keyes Jr., a well-known personal development author and lecturer. This quote resonates with me deeply now, and it’s a reminder to accept things as they are and make the best out of them.
3) Practicing detachment
As the renowned psychologist Viktor Frankl said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
This is the essence of practicing detachment: changing our perspective and response to life’s ups and downs to achieve a happier existence.
This doesn’t mean we should be indifferent or uncaring. Rather, it’s about not allowing our happiness to be dictated by external circumstances or material possessions.
Genuinely happy people have mastered this Stoic trait. They find joy within themselves and their experiences, not in the things they own or the recognition they receive.
By practicing detachment, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress, anxiety, and disappointment. It allows us to shift our focus on what truly matters – our personal growth, relationships, and experiences.
4) Embracing adversity
Stoics view adversity not as a setback, but as an opportunity for growth. It’s a trait that happy people tend to share.
Stoics believe that life is filled with trials and tribulations. Instead of dreading these challenges, they see them as opportunities to learn, grow, and strengthen their character.
Genuinely happy people have adopted this Stoic mindset. They don’t shy away from life’s difficulties. Instead, they face them head-on, knowing that these challenges can lead to personal growth and development.
5) Practicing negative visualization
Now, this might sound a bit counter-intuitive, but stick with me. One of the key practices in Stoicism is negative visualization, and believe it or not, it’s also a trait shared by genuinely happy people.
Negative visualization is the practice of imagining worst-case scenarios or negative outcomes. The idea isn’t to dwell on these outcomes but to prepare for them and appreciate what you currently have.
By regularly visualizing the loss of what we value, we learn not to take things for granted. This practice makes us more resilient and appreciative, leading to a deeper sense of contentment.
Genuinely happy people often subconsciously practice this. They don’t take their blessings for granted and maintain an appreciation for what they have, leading to a more fulfilled and content life.
Don’t let the term “negative visualization” scare you. It’s not about fostering negativity; it’s about fostering gratitude and resilience.
6) Practicing self-discipline
Stoics place a high value on self-discipline. It’s about controlling our impulses and emotions and behaving in a manner consistent with our values and principles. This trait is also a common denominator among happy people.
Why?
Well, genuinely happy people understand the importance of self-discipline.
They realize that real happiness isn’t about instant gratification but about making choices that lead to long-term fulfillment and well-being.
7) Valuing virtue over pleasure
Stoicism teaches us to value virtue over pleasure. It’s about striving to be the best version of ourselves, acting with integrity, and treating others with respect and kindness.
I’ve found that when I place virtue above fleeting pleasure, I feel more fulfilled and content. It’s easy to chase after momentary happiness, but true satisfaction comes from knowing that I’m living in alignment with my values.
Genuinely happy people seem to inherently understand this Stoic principle. They know that long-term happiness doesn’t come from external pleasures but from a sense of inner peace and integrity.
So let’s not sell ourselves short by chasing fleeting pleasures. Instead, let’s strive for virtue and live a life aligned with our true values.
8) Maintaining a learner’s mindset
Last but not least, Stoicism encourages continuous learning and personal growth. Stoics believe that there’s always something new to learn from every situation and every person we encounter.
Maintaining a learner’s mindset means staying open, curious, and flexible. It’s about embracing the unknown and seeing every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Truly happy people understand this. They know that personal growth is a lifelong journey, not a destination. They remain curious and open-minded, always willing to learn and adapt.
Final thoughts: It’s about choices
The journey towards genuine happiness isn’t about a destination, but the choices we make along the way.
Stoicism teaches us to embrace the present, accept what we can’t control, practice detachment, embrace adversity, visualize negativity, practice self-discipline, value virtue over pleasure, and maintain a learner’s mindset.
But these aren’t rigid rules set in stone. They are guiding principles, offering us a path towards contentment and fulfillment.
Whether you’re consciously aware of it or not, if you’re genuinely happy, you’re likely practicing many of these principles already. And if you’re seeking more happiness in your life, consider which of these traits you might incorporate or strengthen.
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Until next time, stay strong and keep learning.
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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.