Maintaining composure in the face of chaos often comes down to embracing a set of principles. Not just any principles, but specifically, Stoic principles.
Now you might be thinking: Stoicism? Isn’t that an old, dusty philosophy from ancient Greece?
Sure, it’s been around for a while. But its principles are timeless and can be incredibly useful in our modern, chaotic world.
Why am I telling you all this? Because I’ve seen firsthand how following these 7 Stoic principles help people remain calm in the most chaotic situations.
…they might just do the same for you.
1) They understand what’s in their control
In the whirlwind of life, it’s easy to get swept up in everything that’s happening around us. The news, the political climate, the weather – it can all feel overwhelming.
But let’s face it, most of these things are out of our control.
Stoics knew this, and they had a simple solution. They divided everything into two categories: things you can control and things you can’t.
Can you control the weather? Nope. Can you control how you react to it? Absolutely. Can you control other people’s actions? Not a chance. But can you control how you respond to them? Definitely.
You get the idea.
By focusing on what we can actually influence – our own actions, reactions and attitudes – we can let go of a huge source of stress and anxiety.
This approach doesn’t mean we should be indifferent to the world around us. Far from it. Instead, it means we should put our energy into what we can actually change, and accept what we can’t.
It sounds simple, but this shift in perspective can make all the difference when chaos comes knocking at your door. So next time you find yourself getting worked up over something, ask yourself: Is this something I can control? If not, take a deep breath and let it go.
2) Embrace discomfort
Yes, you read that right. One of the key tenets of Stoicism involves intentionally stepping into discomfort. It may sound counterintuitive, but hear me out.
We live in a world that’s all about comfort. We have heating when it’s cold, air conditioning when it’s hot, food delivery when we’re hungry but don’t feel like cooking. And while there’s nothing wrong with these comforts, becoming overly reliant on them can leave us ill-equipped to deal with the inevitable hardships life throws our way.
Stoics understood this. That’s why they practiced voluntary discomfort — purposely exposing themselves to situations they’d rather avoid to build up their mental resilience. It might be something as simple as taking a cold shower, skipping a meal, or sleeping on the floor.
Now, I’m not saying you need to start taking ice baths or fasting for days on end. The idea isn’t to make yourself miserable, but to remind yourself that you can handle discomfort if and when it comes your way.
When you regularly step outside your comfort zone, you start to realize that discomfort isn’t something to be feared. And when chaos arises, you’re better equipped to stay calm and carry on.
3) Reflect on your mortality
Now, I know what you’re thinking – this has suddenly taken a dark turn. But stay with me for a moment. One of the most powerful principles of Stoicism involves reflecting on our own mortality.
In our culture, death is often something we prefer not to think about. But Stoics saw it differently. They believed in the practice of memento mori – remembering that you will die. This isn’t to be morbid, but rather to appreciate life more and live each day to its fullest.
Reflecting on our mortality helps us realize that our time is limited. It encourages us to make the most of every moment and not sweat the small stuff. After all, in the grand scheme of things, does it really matter if we’re stuck in traffic or if our coffee order was wrong?
4) Practice gratitude
In the face of chaos, it’s easy to focus on everything that’s going wrong. But Stoics believed in the power of gratitude to shift our perspective and keep us grounded.
The practice of gratitude involves taking time each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. It could be as simple as a good cup of coffee, a friend’s kind words, or the roof over your head.
I’ve found that starting or ending my day with a few moments of gratitude helps me stay calm in the midst of life’s storms. It shifts my focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in my life.
As Oprah Winfrey once said, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”
So take a page from the Stoics (and Oprah) and make gratitude a daily habit. It might just change your life.
5) Accept the present moment
Stoics believed in accepting the present moment, just as it is.
This doesn’t mean we can’t learn from our past mistakes or plan for the future. But obsessing over things we can’t change or predict only feeds our anxiety.
I’ve found that when I catch myself agonizing over past regrets or future what-ifs, it helps to take a deep breath and remind myself to stay present. To feel my feet on the ground, listen to the sounds around me, and just be in the here and now.
It’s not always easy, but accepting the present moment can bring a sense of calm amidst chaos. It allows us to respond rather than react to whatever life throws our way. So next time you find your mind wandering to the past or future, remember to come back to the present. It’s the only moment we truly have.
6) Let go of perfection
Perfection is a myth. Yet so many of us chase it relentlessly, believing that if we just try harder, work longer, or push further, we can achieve it. But the Stoics knew better.
As Marcus Aurelius wrote to himself “Don’t be disgusted, don’t give up, don’t be impatient if you do not carry out entirely conduct based in every detail upon right principles; but after a fall return again,” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
When we let go of the need for everything to be perfect, we open ourselves up to new possibilities. We’re better able to handle life’s ups and downs and to stay calm amidst the chaos.
7) Understand it’s okay to not be okay
Life is messy. It’s full of ups and downs, triumphs and failures, joy and pain. And sometimes, despite our best efforts to stay calm and composed, we get overwhelmed.
And you know what? That’s okay.
The Stoics didn’t believe in suppressing emotions or pretending everything is fine when it’s not. They understood that it’s part of being human.
I’ve had moments when I’ve felt like I’m drowning in chaos, when no amount of deep breathing or positive affirmations could calm the storm inside me. And I’ve learned that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is to acknowledge our feelings, sit with them, and accept them for what they are.
Remember, it’s okay to not be okay. It doesn’t make you weak or less capable. It makes you human. And understanding this can bring a sense of peace even in the midst of chaos..
Embracing Calm amidst Chaos
Life is unpredictable. Even with the most meticulous planning, things can spiral into chaos in the blink of an eye. But the ability to stay calm and composed in these situations is a skill that can be learned and honed, and stoicism provides a roadmap to get there.
These 7 Stoic principles are not just about enduring chaos, they are about embracing it.
They help us understand that it’s okay to not have all the answers, to feel uncomfortable, to accept our imperfections, to reflect on our mortality, and to stay present in the moment. Above all, they remind us that it’s okay to not be okay.
In my personal journey, I’ve found these principles invaluable. They’ve helped me navigate turbulent waters with grace and resilience. And while it’s not always easy, the rewards are worth it.
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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.
