Aging is inevitable, but growing more resilient as you age? Now, that’s a choice.
It’s a choice often embraced by those who adopt Stoic habits. Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy, teaches us to focus on what we can control and to accept what we can’t.
The interesting bit?
Those who age with resilience often have these Stoic habits in common.
And guess what? I’m going to share eight of these habits with you. So buckle up and let’s dive into the fascinating world of Stoicism and resilience.
1) Embrace the present
You’ve heard it a thousand times, “live in the moment.” But it’s not just a cliché mantra.
Stoics take this concept to heart. They understand that the past is done and the future is uncertain. The only thing we truly have control over is the present.
This mindset can transform how you handle age-related challenges. Instead of getting bogged down with “what ifs” or past regrets, Stoics focus on the here and now.
This doesn’t mean they ignore the future or don’t learn from the past. But they don’t let these things consume their present moments.
Adopting this Stoic habit can help you become more resilient as you age. It allows you to tackle each challenge as it comes, instead of being overwhelmed by potential future problems or past mistakes.
And remember, being mindful of the present moment isn’t about ignoring your feelings. It’s about acknowledging them without letting them take over your life.
2) Acceptance is key
I’ll be honest, accepting things as they are isn’t always easy. Especially when life throws curveballs your way.
A few years ago, I faced a health scare that made me realize how much I had taken my health for granted. It was a tough pill to swallow and initially, I was in denial.
But then I remembered the Stoic teachings of acceptance.
Stoics believe that we should accept things as they are, especially the ones we can’t change. It’s not about giving up but rather understanding the reality of the situation.
So instead of dwelling on ‘why me?’, I started to accept it and focused on what I could control – my actions and response. This acceptance didn’t make the problem disappear, but it made it far more manageable.
As we age, our bodies and health can change in ways we can’t control. But by practicing acceptance, we can navigate these changes with grace and resilience. And just like my personal journey, you too can learn to adapt, accept and move forward.
3) Practice negative visualization
Negative visualization might sound like a pessimistic approach, but it’s actually a powerful Stoic practice. The concept involves imagining losing what you have in order to appreciate it more.
Seneca, one of the most famous Stoic philosophers, often advised people to periodically contemplate worst-case scenarios. This practice can make us more grateful for what we have and can help prepare us for life’s inevitable difficulties.
For instance, did you know that astronauts use a similar technique?
They’re trained to constantly visualize and prepare for potential disasters as a form of mental training. This helps them stay calm under pressure and respond effectively during real crises.
As we age, adopting this Stoic habit can help us become more resilient by preparing us for unexpected challenges before they even happen. It reinforces that we can handle whatever life throws our way.
4) Take control of your reactions
Life is full of unexpected events and often, we have no control over them. But what we do have control over is our reactions.
Stoics strongly believe in this principle. They understand that while we can’t control external events, we can control how we respond to them.
This simple shift in perspective can be incredibly empowering. It allows us to take charge of our emotions and responses rather than letting circumstances dictate our state of mind.
For example, if you’re stuck in traffic, you can’t control the situation but you can control whether you let it ruin your day or use the time to listen to an interesting podcast or simply enjoy some quiet time.
As we age and face various challenges, this Stoic habit can help us become more resilient by giving us the power to choose our reactions, leading to a more balanced and peaceful life.
5) Value virtue above all else
If there’s one thing that stands out about Stoicism, it’s the value placed on virtues. Stoics believe that virtues like wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance are the highest goods.
Why is this important?
Because when we value virtues above all else, we focus less on external rewards and more on our character and actions.
This shift in focus can lead to a richer and more fulfilled life.
It’s not about how much money we have, how successful we are, or how many likes we get on social media. It’s about being the best person we can be.
As we age, this Stoic habit can help us cultivate resilience by reinforcing what truly matters in life. It encourages us to focus on our moral compass and personal growth rather than getting caught up in societal pressures or materialistic pursuits.
In a world that often values appearance over substance, embracing this Stoic habit can provide a grounding sense of purpose and identity.
6) Practice stillness
In the hustle and bustle of life, I’ve found that there’s immense power in practicing stillness. It’s not about being idle or stagnant, but about finding peace in the midst of chaos.
I’ve always been a go-getter, always on the move, always looking for the next big thing. But there was a point when it all became too much. I was stressed, overwhelmed, and constantly anxious.
That’s when I turned to the Stoic practice of stillness.
I started meditating regularly, taking time each day to just sit and be.
It was a struggle at first – my mind would wander, I’d get impatient, and sometimes I’d even fall asleep!
But over time, I started to notice a change. I was calmer, more focused, and less reactive. My stress levels dropped and I felt more in tune with myself.
This Stoic habit is all about cultivating inner peace and learning to be present. As we age and our lives get busier, practicing stillness can help us build resilience by giving us the mental strength to handle life’s ups and downs.
7) Understand the impermanence of life
One of the most profound Stoic teachings is the understanding of life’s impermanence. Stoics believe that nothing is permanent, and everything is subject to change.
This might seem like a gloomy perspective, but it’s actually quite liberating. It teaches us to appreciate what we have while we have it and not take anything for granted.
It also helps us to let go of things more easily. If we understand that nothing lasts forever, we’re more likely to accept changes and challenges with grace.
As we age, this awareness of life’s transience can make us more resilient. It can help us navigate life’s ups and downs with a sense of calm and acceptance, knowing that whatever we’re going through – good or bad – is temporary.
So, the next time you’re faced with a challenge or experiencing a joyous moment, remember that everything in life is transient. It will help you appreciate the good times more deeply and endure the tough times with greater strength.
8) Cultivate inner strength
At the heart of Stoicism and resilience is the cultivation of inner strength. Stoics believe that our true power lies within us and not in external circumstances or possessions.
This inner strength is not about physical power or dominance. It’s about mental toughness, emotional resilience, and moral integrity.
It’s about having:
- The courage to face life’s challenges
- The wisdom to learn from them
- The perseverance to keep going
As we age, cultivating this inner strength can help us become more resilient. It equips us with the mental and emotional fortitude to handle whatever life throws our way.
And remember, this inner strength is like a muscle. The more we use it, the stronger it gets.
So, don’t shy away from challenges or hardships. Use them as opportunities to flex and build your inner strength.
Final reflection: The enduring power of Stoicism
As we grow older, resilience is a trait we should seek to attain. However, attaining resilience isn’t easy; It requires a blend of courage, wisdom, and acceptance.
The Stoic philosophers, thousands of years ago, understood this and laid out principles that can help us cultivate this inner strength.
Marcus Aurelius, a renowned Stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor, once said, “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
This quote encapsulates the essence of both Stoicism and resilience. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on our reactions, cultivating inner strength, and understanding the impermanence of life.
As you journey through life, remember these Stoic habits. They’re not just ancient philosophies but timeless wisdom that can help you become more resilient as you age.
And as you navigate the challenges that come your way, remember, it’s not about avoiding hardships but about building the strength to endure them. Because in the end, resilience isn’t just about surviving. It’s about thriving.
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.
