People who thrive under pressure usually embody these 5 Stoic qualities

3) They understand the importance of preparation

Preparation is another key quality that helps individuals thrive under pressure.

Successful athletes, CEOs, and leaders don’t merely react to situations—they anticipate and prepare for them. This foresight allows them to face challenges head-on with a clear plan of action.

The Stoics placed great emphasis on being mentally prepared for life’s trials. They believed that by contemplating potential difficulties in advance, one could diminish their impact.

Marcus Aurelius, for example, advised practicing premeditatio malorum, or the premeditation of evils. By mentally rehearsing possible setbacks and obstacles, Stoics build resilience against the shock and stress of unexpected events.

Preparation isn’t just about planning; it’s also about mindset. Understanding that difficulties will arise, and that they are part of the journey, helps to mitigate fear and anxiety. When you are mentally prepared for challenges, you reduce the emotional toll they take on you.

4) They control their reactions

“What disturbs men’s minds is not events but their judgements on events” –  Epictetus (The Discourses of Epictetus, 1916)

In high-pressure situations, the ability to control one’s reactions is crucial. Stoics understand that while they cannot control external events, they have complete control over their responses. This perspective helps them maintain composure and make rational decisions even under intense pressure.

Epictetus emphasized that our judgments about events, rather than the events themselves, disturb us. By shifting our focus from the external event to our internal response, we can remain calm and centered regardless of the circumstances. This approach allows us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

For instance, during a high-stakes presentation at work, I felt my anxiety rising as technical issues began to surface. Instead of panicking, I reminded myself of Epictetus’s teaching. I paused, took a deep breath, and focused on calmly addressing the issue. This not only helped me maintain my composure but also allowed me to handle the situation effectively, turning a potential disaster into a manageable problem.

By mastering this Stoic quality, successful individuals can navigate high-pressure environments with grace and effectiveness. They understand that their power lies not in changing the events themselves, but in controlling their interpretation and response to them. This mindset is a cornerstone of resilience and effective leadership.

5) They don’t suffer prematurely

A hallmark of Stoicism is the ability to avoid unnecessary suffering by not anticipating trouble before it arrives.

Seneca, one of the most prominent Stoic philosophers, wisely noted, “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” This quote perfectly captures the Stoic approach to dealing with potential stress and anxiety.

Many people crumble under the weight of their own fears and anticipations. This premature suffering can be more paralyzing than the actual events themselves.

Stoics, however, practice a different mindset. They focus on the present moment and deal with problems as they come. This approach allows them to conserve their mental and emotional energy for actual challenges. 

By refusing to suffer prematurely, Stoics maintain their resilience and composure under pressure. They understand that most fears are exaggerated and that their energy is better spent on constructive actions and solutions. This quality enables them to handle high-pressure situations with a calm and steady mind, ensuring they are always ready to face whatever comes their way.