People who have a stoic mindset without realizing it usually do these things

Have you ever considered the possibility that you might be an undercover Stoic?

Yes, you heard that right; “an undercover Stoic”!

Stoicism – the ancient philosophy that encourages inner strength and emotional resilience – doesn’t only belong to ancient Greek scholars. It’s alive and well in today’s world, often in the most unexpected places.

There are people out there – and perhaps you’re one of them – who are unknowingly practicing the principles of Stoicism every day. They embody a quiet strength, a calm amidst the storm, and an ability to turn life’s challenges into opportunities for growth.

In this article, we’re going to explore the signs of these unintentional stoics among us. You might just discover that you are one of them!

Let’s dive in.

1) They live in the present moment

Ever find yourself so absorbed in the task at hand that time seems to fly by?

This is a classic sign of embodying stoic principles without realizing it.

Stoics believe in focusing on the present moment because it is the only thing truly within our control. They understand that dwelling on the past can lead to regret, and worrying about the future can cause unnecessary anxiety.

Marcus Aurelius, a notable Stoic philosopher, emphasized this point. He wrote, “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.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944).

He also stated, “You could lose neither past nor future; how can one rob him of what he has not got?” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944).

If you find yourself relating to these quotes, you might just be an undercover Stoic!

2) They maintain their composure in the face of adversity

So, let’s say you’re having one of those days where everything seems to go wrong. Your car breaks down, your meeting goes disastrously, and to top it off, you spill coffee on your favorite shirt. Yet, instead of losing your cool, you take a deep breath, accept the situation for what it is, and move forward without letting it ruin your day.

Sound like you?

Then you’re displaying a Stoic mindset without even realizing it.

Stoics believe that while we can’t control everything that happens to us, we can control how we respond. They strive to maintain their composure and resilience even in the face of adversity. As Marcus Aurelius put it: “Be like the headland on which the waves continually break, but it stands firm and about it the boiling water sinks to sleep.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944).

3) They embrace life’s impermanence

Have you ever found a strange comfort in knowing that everything in life is temporary, including life itself?

This acceptance of the transient nature of existence is a key principle of Stoicism. Stoics understand and accept that life is in constant flux. They see change not as something to fear, but as a natural part of existence, and they understand that clinging to any moment – good or bad – is futile because ‘this too shall pass.’

Marcus Aurelius highlighted this concept when he wrote, “Everything that your eyes look upon will be changed almost in a moment” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944).

He also pointed out that “All things are petty, easily changed, vanishing away” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944).

4) They practice self-discipline and personal responsibility

Stoicism teaches the importance of self-discipline and personal responsibility, recognizing that these are crucial for maintaining control over our own lives.

Marcus Aurelius urged for this discipline, stating: “Each hour be minded, valiantly as become a Roman and a man, to do what is to your hand, with precise…and unaffected dignity, natural love, freedom and justice; and give yourself repose from every other imagination.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944).

If you find solace in structure, value your commitments, and hold yourself accountable, you are likely practicing these stoic principles without even realizing it.

05) They focus on what they can control

Do you find yourself letting go of things beyond your control and focusing your energy on what you can influence?

This is another core Stoic principle.

Stoics believe in distinguishing between what is within our control—our thoughts, actions, and reactions—and what is not, such as external events and other people’s opinions. By focusing only on what they can control, Stoics maintain their peace of mind and avoid unnecessary stress.

Epictetus, another prominent Stoic philosopher, emphasized this in his teachings:

“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.” (The Discourses of Epictetus 1916)

Do you see yourself in any of these traits?  If you do, you might be an undercover Stoic!