8 things real Stoics focus on for a meaningful life

Stoicism is more than an ancient philosophy – it’s a practical approach to life that can cultivate resilience, peace, and wisdom.

The Stoics were not about suppressing emotions or living a life of deprivation. Instead, they advocated for understanding what’s in our control, accepting what isn’t, and focusing on personal growth and virtue.

Through the lens of Stoicism, we can navigate life’s challenges with grace and maintain equilibrium amidst the chaos.

Here are some vital things that real Stoics focus on for a meaningful life.

These aren’t abstract concepts, but actionable practices that can transform your perspective and enrich your existence.

1) Embracing what is in our control

One of the central tenets of Stoicism is understanding the dichotomy of control. The Stoics believed that some things are within our control, while others are not.

Our thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and actions fall within the sphere of our control. Conversely, external events, other people’s behavior, or the passage of time are elements we cannot influence.

When faced with a challenging situation, the Stoic practice is to ask: Is this within my control?

If the answer is yes, then it’s an opportunity to exercise our agency and shape our response. If the answer is no, then it’s a chance to practice acceptance and let go of futile attempts to control the uncontrollable.

This practice helps us focus our energy on what we can actually influence, fostering resilience and peace of mind in the face of life’s uncertainties.

It’s about accepting reality as it is, not as we wish it to be, and taking responsibility for our part in it.

2) Practicing mindfulness in everyday life

As an entrepreneur, I find that the demands of the day can sometimes lead to a mind filled with constant chatter.

It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks, forgetting to be present in the moment. This is where the Stoic practice of mindfulness comes into play.

The Stoics believed that to live a good life, we need to cultivate awareness of our thoughts and actions.

They encouraged a form of mindfulness where one is fully engaged in the present moment, not distracted by regrets about the past or worries about the future.

Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as savoring a cup of coffee, truly listening during a conversation, or noticing the sensation of your breath. It’s about fully experiencing life as it unfolds, moment by moment.

This practice helps us to not only appreciate the beauty in the small things but also to recognize and challenge unhelpful thought patterns.

With constant practice, we can train ourselves to respond rather than react, leading to more mindful decisions and actions.

As tech entrepreneur and meditation advocate Jack Dorsey once said, “The greatest lesson that I learned in all of this is that you have to start. Start now, start here, and start small. Keep it Simple.” 

3) Cultivating resilience in the face of setbacks

Life is unpredictable, and we are bound to face setbacks and failures. Stoics saw these obstacles not as misfortunes, but as opportunities for growth.

They believed that it’s through these challenges that we build character, resilience, and wisdom.

I think this is something we can all resonate with. We all face setbacks and failures in life. But it’s how we respond to them that shapes our journey.

In my video on “The Dark Side of Entrepreneurship”, I explore this idea further. I dissect the notion of society celebrating the dream of getting rich through being an entrepreneur without acknowledging the resilience and mindset required to get there.

The key takeaway is to find fulfillment in the journey, even when it’s challenging, rather than fixating solely on the outcome.

Here’s the link to dive deeper into this topic:

YouTube video

If you resonate with this perspective and wish to join a community of over 20,000 people who are exploring living a life with more purpose and freedom, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel.

Together, we can navigate through life’s challenges while cultivating a meaningful existence.

4) Rejecting external validation

In a world that constantly measures success by material wealth or social status, it’s easy to lose ourselves in the pursuit of external validation.

The Stoics, however, had a different approach. They believed that true worth comes from within and that virtue – our character and actions – is the highest good.

This belief in internal validation challenges the societal norms we often unconsciously subscribe to. It invites us to question: Are we living according to our deepest values, or are we driven by the desire to meet others’ expectations?

The quest for external validation can lead us astray, making us compromise our authenticity in exchange for fleeting approval. It’s a trap that can leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled, no matter how much we achieve.

In contrast, when we reject external validation and focus on cultivating virtue, we empower ourselves to live authentically.

We shift our focus from ‘What will people think?’ to ‘What do I think?’. This shift allows us to make decisions aligned with our values, contributing to a sense of purpose and inner peace.

It’s not an easy path, and it requires courage and self-awareness. But it’s a journey worth undertaking.

Because at the end of the day, living in alignment with our true selves is what gives life its deepest meaning.

5) Embracing the transformative power of self-awareness

Self-awareness is a fundamental part of Stoic philosophy. The Stoics believed in the importance of understanding one’s own thoughts, emotions, and actions, and how they influence our lives.

This commitment to self-awareness is not about indulging in self-criticism or self-pity.

Instead, it’s about acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, our desires and fears, our successes and failures. 

The path to self-awareness can be raw and uncomfortable. It forces us to confront aspects of ourselves that we might prefer to ignore. Yet, it’s through this process that we can truly grow and evolve.

In my video on “The Imposter Syndrome”, I discuss how self-awareness can actually enhance our growth and empowerment.

I talk about how feeling like an ‘imposter’ can drive a more profound exploration of personal and professional capabilities.

You can watch the video here:

YouTube video

By embracing the transformative power of self-awareness, we equip ourselves with the tools to live more authentic, fulfilling lives – lives guided by understanding and acceptance rather than fear or avoidance.

6) Valuing discomfort and hardship

In our comfort-driven society, we often shy away from discomfort and hardship. The Stoics, however, saw value in these experiences.

They believed that discomfort and hardship help us grow, revealing our true strengths and teaching us resilience.

This might seem a bit odd at first. After all, why would anyone seek out discomfort? But when we look closer, we can see the wisdom in this Stoic practice.

Valuing discomfort means stepping out of our comfort zones – trying new things, challenging ourselves, facing our fears. It’s in these moments of discomfort that we learn the most about ourselves and our capabilities.

Similarly, viewing hardship as a pathway to growth gives us a unique perspective on life’s challenges.

Instead of seeing them as obstacles to our happiness, we can view them as opportunities to build resilience, develop empathy, and deepen our understanding of life.

So, instead of fleeing from discomfort or hardship, we can choose to lean into these experiences. By doing so, we open ourselves up to growth and transformation – two key elements of a meaningful life.

7) Cultivating ethical participation in the economy

Stoicism emphasizes living in alignment with nature and virtue. This extends beyond our personal lives to include our participation in the economy.

The Stoics believed that our economic decisions should reflect our values, contributing to the greater good rather than solely serving our self-interest.

In the age of consumerism, this Stoic practice is more relevant than ever. Every purchase we make, every investment we commit to, has an impact.

By choosing to support businesses and initiatives that align with our values and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world, we’re not only making ethical economic decisions but also exercising our power to influence societal change.

This doesn’t mean we need to sacrifice our own financial wellbeing. Instead, it’s about creating a balance – ensuring our financial decisions not only serve us but also contribute to the kind of world we want to live in.

8) Embracing the journey over the destination

In a goal-obsessed society, we often forget to appreciate the journey. We’re so focused on reaching our destination that we overlook the value of the process itself.

The Stoics, however, believed in embracing the journey over the destination.

This Stoic practice encourages us to find joy and fulfillment in the process of living, learning, and growing – not just in reaching a specific goal or outcome. It’s about being present in each moment and appreciating life as it unfolds.

When we shift our focus from the destination to the journey, we open ourselves up to experiencing more joy, fulfillment, and growth along the way.

The journey itself becomes rich with learning and experiences that can’t be replicated by simply reaching a destination.

So let’s take a page from the Stoic book and start embracing our journey – each step, each moment – for it’s in these moments that life truly happens.

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.

Check it out here.

 

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