5 Stoic habits to adopt if you want to live a happier life

1) Embrace what you can control

One of the most fundamental teachings of Stoicism is the concept of focusing on what you can control and letting go of what you can’t.

Epictetus said it best: “Of all existing things some are in our power and others are not in our power.” (The Discourses of Epictetus)

So much of our stress and unhappiness comes from worrying about things outside our control—like other people’s actions, the weather, or unexpected life events.

You cannot change the outcome of every situation, but you can always control your response to it. This shift in mindset has been transformative in my own life, helping me reduce anxiety and approach challenges with a calmer, more resilient attitude.

By learning to focus on what’s within your control—your thoughts, actions, and reactions—you free yourself from the burden of external circumstances. This creates space for more peace and contentment in your daily life.

Instead of fretting over things you can’t change, you start to use your energy more effectively, directing it toward what truly matters.

This habit doesn’t just bring more peace; it also empowers you to take full ownership of your life, leading to a deeper sense of fulfillment.

2) Practice daily reflection

Have you ever felt like the days are slipping by, and you’re just going through the motions without really growing or improving?

If so, you’re not alone.

But the Stoics believed there’s a simple remedy: daily reflection.

At the end of each day, take a moment to look back and ask yourself, “What did I do well today? Where could I have done better?” This practice was central to the Stoic way of life.

As Seneca wrote, “When the lamp has been removed from my sight, and my wife, no stranger now to my habit, has fallen silent, I examine the whole of my day and retrace my actions and words; I hide nothing from myself, pass over nothing. For why should I be afraid of any of my mistakes, when I can say: ‘Beware of doing that again, and this time I pardon you.’”

By consistently reflecting on your thoughts and behaviors, you develop a deeper sense of self-awareness. It’s not about harsh self-criticism, but rather learning from your experiences and making adjustments. This habit empowers you to live more intentionally, improving your actions day by day.

3) Cultivate gratitude for what you have

How often do we focus on what’s missing in our lives instead of appreciating what’s already here?

The Stoics believed that gratitude is key to living a happier life. By learning to value what you have—whether it’s your health, your relationships, or even just the ability to wake up in the morning—you can shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance.

Marcus Aurelius advised, “Do not think of what are absent as though they were not existing but ponder on the most fortunate of what you have got.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)

This simple practice of gratitude can transform your perspective, helping you find joy even in difficult times.

I started incorporating gratitude into my daily routine by writing down three things I’m thankful for each morning. Whether it’s something small, like a good conversation with a friend, or something big, like progress on a long-term goal, this habit helps me start the day on a positive note.

Over time, I noticed a shift in my mindset—I began to feel more content and less caught up in the desire for more.

Practicing gratitude isn’t about ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about acknowledging the good that already exists in your life, which in turn helps you face difficulties with greater resilience.

4) Focus on your reactions, not events

So let’s say you’re stuck in traffic, running late for an important meeting. Frustration starts to bubble up, and it feels like everything is working against you.

The Stoics would argue that it’s not the traffic itself that’s the problem—it’s how you choose to react to it. Epictetus famously said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”

We often don’t have control over the events around us, but we always have control over our reactions. This mindset shift can dramatically improve your sense of peace and happiness.

When you stop trying to control the uncontrollable and instead focus on how you respond, life becomes less overwhelming. You begin to realize that external circumstances don’t have the power to disturb your inner peace—unless you allow them to.

5) Remember, everything is temporary

This is a big one.

In a world that’s constantly changing, the Stoics remind us of a simple yet profound truth: everything is temporary. Whether it’s the good times or the bad, nothing lasts forever.

Marcus Aurelius said it best: “Everything that your eyes look upon will be changed almost in a moment.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)

Understanding this helps us appreciate the present without getting too attached to it. It also helps us keep a sense of perspective during tough times, knowing that hardships too will pass.

When I started embracing this idea, it was liberating. Instead of clinging to moments or worrying about things slipping away, I began to see change as part of life’s natural flow.

This mindset not only reduced my anxiety about the future but also made me cherish the present more deeply. Whether you’re experiencing joy or pain, remembering that everything is temporary brings both humility and comfort.

By accepting the transient nature of life, you can approach each day with a greater sense of calm and appreciation, knowing that no moment—good or bad—lasts forever.

The bottom line

I hope these Stoic habits bring more peace, resilience, and happiness into your life, just as they have for me.

Remember, real change starts with small, consistent actions.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—share them in the comments!