Staying calm under pressure is easier said than done. In fact, it’s an art, mastered by stoics, who approach life with equanimity, regardless of the situation.
Stoics have a knack for turning stressful situations into opportunities for growth. They do this by using certain phrases that help them maintain their composure when things get tough.
In this article, I will share nine phrases stoic people use to stay calm under pressure. By incorporating these phrases into your own vocabulary, you too can learn to keep your cool when life throws curveballs your way.
1) “This too shall pass”
A common situation we all face is the pressure of time crunch. Deadlines, ticking clocks, and the fast-paced world can make us feel like we’re constantly racing against time.
But Stoics have a different perspective.
They view time and life’s events as transient, constantly changing, and impermanent.
Their go-to phrase in high-pressure situations? “This too shall pass.”
It’s a reminder that no matter how intense or stressful a situation may seem, it won’t last forever. Just like good times don’t last, neither do the bad ones.
By repeating this phrase, Stoics remind themselves to stay calm and centered amidst the storm. It helps them to bear the pressure without being swept away by it.
Use this phrase when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It will not only help you maintain your composure but also provide a broader perspective to navigate through challenging times.
Remember, like everything else in life, this pressure you’re feeling now will eventually pass.
2) “Control what you can, accept what you can’t”
We often get anxious and stressed about things beyond our control. The reality is, we can’t control everything in life, and trying to do so only adds to our stress levels.
Stoics have a wise approach to deal with this. They often remind themselves – “Control what you can, accept what you can’t.”
I remember a situation I faced a few years back.
I was working on a big project at work and out of the blue, our client changed the deadline, demanding it to be completed two weeks earlier.
I was frantic. I started to worry about how we were going to meet this new deadline, losing sleep over scenarios that might not even happen.
Then I remembered the stoic phrase – “Control what you can, accept what you can’t.”
I realized that I couldn’t control the client’s demands or the new deadline. But what I could control was how I responded to it.
So, I took a deep breath, reorganized our priorities and resources, and focused on what we could do within the new timeline.
The pressure didn’t disappear entirely, but it became much more manageable.
Remembering this phrase can help you too when life throws unexpected curveballs your way. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t. It’s surprising how much of a difference it makes.
3) “Amor Fati”
A favorite phrase used by the ancient Stoic philosophers like Epictetus, was “Amor Fati” is a Latin term that translates to “love of fate”.
Stoics use this phrase as a mental tool in stressful situations to accept whatever happens, not merely to tolerate it, but to embrace it with enthusiasm.
The power of this phrase lies in its ability to transform our perception.
Instead of seeing a difficult situation as a problem, we start to see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
In the grand scheme of the universe, our worries and problems are relatively small. By using “Amor Fati”, Stoics cultivate a sense of acceptance towards life’s ups and downs, helping them stay calm under pressure.
Historically, this phrase has indirectly been used by many successful leaders and thinkers, including Thomas Edison. After his lab was destroyed by fire, Edison reportedly said: “All my mistakes and failures are burnt up. Now I can start anew.”
That’s the essence of “Amor Fati” – embracing the situation, however challenging it may be.
4) “It’s not events that upset us, but our interpretation of them”
One of the core principles of stoicism is the understanding that our thoughts and perceptions shape our reality.
This is beautifully summed up in the phrase, “It’s not events that upset us, but our interpretation of them.”
Stoics use this phrase to shift their perspective when under pressure.
They understand that events in themselves are neutral; it’s how we perceive and interpret these events that cause distress.
For example, if a project you’re working on doesn’t go as planned, you might feel stressed and disappointed.
But if you shift your interpretation and see it as an opportunity to learn and grow, your stress will significantly decrease.
This phrase encourages us to take a step back, reassess our thoughts and perceptions, and choose a more positive interpretation. This shift in mindset can be incredibly powerful in helping us stay calm under pressure.
5) “Memento Mori”
“Memento Mori“, a Latin phrase meaning “remember you must die”, might sound morbid at first glance.
But for stoics, it serves as a powerful grounding tool.
When faced with stressful situations, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and lose sight of the bigger picture.
“Memento Mori” is a reminder that our time here is finite, that we should focus on what truly matters and let go of trivial worries.
When under pressure, whether it’s an upcoming presentation, a difficult conversation, or a challenging project, remind yourself of this phrase.
It offers perspective, taking the weight off insignificant worries and giving importance to what truly matters.
In the end, most pressures we face are temporary and fleeting. “Memento Mori” reminds us to focus our energies on what’s genuinely significant in our limited time.
6) “Virtue is sufficient for happiness”
In a world that often equates happiness with material wealth and success, Stoics have a different viewpoint. They believe in the powerful principle: “Virtue is sufficient for happiness.”
This phrase is a reminder that true happiness comes from within, not from external circumstances. It’s about living a life of integrity, kindness, and wisdom, regardless of what life throws at us.
When under pressure, it can be easy to lose sight of our core values. We might compromise on our principles in the pursuit of success or to ease the pressure.
But Stoics stand firm in their belief that maintaining virtue is paramount.
The next time you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, remember this phrase. It serves as a compass, guiding us back to our core values and reminding us what truly matters.
It’s a heartfelt reminder that staying true to ourselves and maintaining our integrity will ultimately bring us more satisfaction and peace than any external achievement ever could.
7) “Change is the only constant”
Life is a series of ups and downs, twists and turns.
Just when we think we have everything figured out, something unexpected happens. This can cause stress, anxiety, and a feeling of losing control.
Stoics, however, embrace the unpredictability of life with the phrase “Change is the only constant.”
I remember a time when I was comfortably settled in my job, enjoying my routine and feeling secure.
Out of nowhere, I was offered another job in a different city. The opportunity was fantastic, but it meant uprooting my life and starting over somewhere new.
The uncertainty was overwhelming. I felt a whirlwind of emotions – excitement, fear, anxiety. It was then that I reminded myself – “Change is the only constant.”
This phrase helped me accept the situation as a part of life’s natural ebb and flow.
Instead of resisting the change, I embraced it. Today, I look back at that decision as one of the best I ever made.
Embracing change can be challenging but remembering this simple phrase can help alleviate the pressure that comes with it. Change is inevitable; it’s how we respond to it that truly matters.
8) “What’s the worst that could happen?”
Fear often magnifies the perceived consequences of a situation. It can make us imagine the worst-case scenarios, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Stoics combat this fear-based thinking with a practical question: “What’s the worst that could happen?”
This phrase helps to put things into perspective, allowing us to realize that often, the worst-case scenario isn’t as catastrophic as our mind makes it out to be. Even if it is, acknowledging it can help us plan and prepare better.
So, when you find yourself under pressure, ask yourself this question.
You may find that the situation is not as dire as it initially seemed, or that you’re more capable of handling it than you thought.
Either way, it helps to lessen the pressure and allows you to approach the situation with a calmer mind.
9) “To endure is to conquer”
In the face of adversity and pressure, it’s easy to lose hope and feel defeated. But Stoics remind themselves of a simple yet powerful truth: “To endure is to conquer.”
This phrase embodies the essence of resilience and perseverance.
It serves as a reminder that the act of enduring tough times, of standing firm in the face of pressure, is a victory in itself.
No matter how hard the situation may seem, remember that your ability to endure, to keep going despite the odds, is your strength. It’s this endurance that will ultimately lead to overcoming the pressure.
So when you find yourself in high-pressure situations, remember this phrase.
Let it serve as a beacon of strength and resilience, encouraging you to persevere against all odds. Because in endurance, there lies victory.
Final thoughts: The power of words
The beauty of stoicism lies in its simplicity and relevance, even in today’s fast-paced, pressure-laden world. It teaches us to navigate life’s challenges with grace, equanimity, and resilience.
At the heart of it all are words – phrases that encapsulate centuries of wisdom. These phrases, as we’ve explored, can be instrumental in helping us stay calm under pressure.
From “This too shall pass” to “To endure is to conquer”, each phrase serves as a mental tool, a reminder of our inherent strength and ability to handle whatever life throws at us.
So the next time pressure mounts and stress threatens to overwhelm you, remember these phrases. Use them as your anchors, guiding you back to calmness and clarity.
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.
