The Top 5 Habits of Highly Stoic People
Are you having trouble finding peace and contentment during chaos? Stoicism teaches practical habits that can help anyone navigate life’s challenges with resilience and calm. By embracing these habits, you can learn to concentrate on what truly matters, remain steady in adversity, and discover happiness in the present moment.
In this article, we’ll explore the five essential habits of highly Stoic people and how you can incorporate them into your life for greater peace and fulfillment.
1. Embracing Control: Focus on What You Can Change
One of the main ideas in Stoicism is to focus only on what you can control. As Epictetus said, “Of things, some are in our power, and others are not.”
This means not wasting time worrying about things like the weather or other people’s actions.
Instead, Stoics focus on their thoughts, actions, and efforts. To practice this, start by making a list of things you can control and things you cannot.
Work on the things you can control and let go of the rest. This will help you stay calm and focused.
2. Anticipating Challenges: Expect the Unexpected
Stoics believe in being prepared for anything that comes their way.
Marcus Aurelius advised, “When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself: the people I deal with today will be meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous and surly.”
By expecting challenges, the Stoics aren’t easily surprised or upset. You can practice this by thinking about problems you might face each day and planning how to deal with them.
This way, you’ll be ready and stay calm when something goes wrong.
3. Cultivating Calm: Steadiness in the Face of Chaos
Stoics aim to stay calm, even when things are chaotic. Marcus Aurelius said, “To be like the rock that waves keep crashing over.
It stands unmoved, and the raging of the sea falls still around it.” Staying calm helps you think clearly and act wisely.
To cultivate calmness, practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.
When things go wrong, remember that getting upset will not help. Instead, stay focused on finding a solution.
4. Practicing Gratitude: Contentment with What You Have
Stoics know that true happiness comes from being content with what you have. Seneca said, “It is not the man who has too little who is poor, but the one who hankers after more.”
Instead of always wanting more, the Stoics appreciate what they already have. You can practice gratitude by keeping a journal where you write down things you’re thankful for each day.
Appreciate the little things, like a sunny day or a good meal. This will help you feel more content and less stressed.
5. Accepting Reality: Living under Nature
Stoics accept life as it is.
Epictetus advised, “Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life.”
This means accepting things you cannot change and focusing on what you can do. Practice this by reminding yourself that things are the way they are for a reason.
Instead of wishing for things to be different, improve what you can. This will bring you peace and reduce frustration.
Conclusion
These five habits can help you live a more Stoic and fulfilling life. Focus on what you can control, expect challenges, stay calm, practice gratitude, and accept reality.
You’ll become more resilient and content by incorporating these habits into your daily routine. Remember, the power to change your life lies within you.
