Stoic philosophy helps us to remain level-headed in spite of life's challenges.
It gives us various techniques and strategies to handle difficult emotions skilfully, allowing us to act from a place of calm, logic and strength.
Conquer the day with these 12 stoic rules, enabling you to take on whatever the next 24 hours has in store for you.
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1. Demand the best from yourself
In Discourses and Selected Writings, Epictetus poses the question,
“How long are you going to wait before you demand the best from yourself?”
We all have a voice beckoning us forward, to have that difficult conversation, to complete the task we have been putting off, to go to the gym after a hard day at work. We know what the best version of ourselves would do, yet, we don’t follow our best advice, putting off our growth for the future.
There's the perception that our current circumstances are hindering us, however, Epictetus offers a compelling insight: the true obstacle in our path is none other than ourselves.
Nothing is stopping us from giving our all to the present.
Today is the day to demand the best from yourself.
2. Recognize that discipline is freedom
Even Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome and Stoic philosopher, hated getting out of bed in the morning. In Mediations, a collection of his diaries, there’s an extract where he is willing himself to get up.
“...is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?... Why aren’t you running to do what your nature demands?”
No one escapes the daily battle with discomfort but it’s those who can act in spite of their emotions who end up victorious.
The control you have over the next 24 hours will be correlated with your willingness to lean into the struggle.
Will you control the day? Or will the day control you?
3. Refuse to waste your time
In a letter to his friend Lucillius, Seneca, a Roman statesmen and stoic philosopher discusses how most of us waste our time.
“...the largest portion of life passes while we are doing ill, a goodly share while we are doing nothing, and the whole while we are doing that which is not to the purpose.”
So what’s the antidote?
To hold the fleeting nature of time firmly within our awareness.
Seneca cautions that each passing second inches us closer to death and will never be within our possession again, “Whatever years lie behind us are in death's hands.”
We must allow this notion to guide us, urging us to live purpose and determination if we are to make the most of our time on this earth.
Take care with the next 24 hours.
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4. Don’t complain
The Stoics held a firm belief that everything unfolds according to the will of the universe, all in service of the greater good.
To complain and to be in disagreement with our fate signifies that we are standing against nature, opposing an uncontrollable force that serves the whole, causing ourselves and everything around us to suffer.
5. Do hard things
The cold shower, the 100 burpees, the public speech: all things that bring immense discomfort but lead to something magnificent.
The powerful feeling of inner strength and elation when we conquer a challenge.
In overcoming something difficult every day, we will forge an unshakable mind, capable of prevailing through tremendous adversity and hardship.
“It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.” - Seneca
6. Just focus on today
“Concentrate every minute like a Roman— like a man— on doing what’s in front of you…” - Marcus Aurelius
When we hone our focus on the present, we enhance the potency of our actions by concentrating our energy. Getting caught up with concerns about the past and future will only serve to distract you.
Stop selling yourself short. Today's troubles are enough for today.
7. Be Extraordinary
Seek opportunities to be uncommon, rise earlier than the rest, go for a run when its raining, work on your goals during the weekend.
By doing the things that average people aren't willing to do, you gain an edge and step outside the bounds of mediocrity.
As Epictetus says,
“Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do – now.”
8. Seek out the good from todays setbacks
While no one makes it through life without a broken heart, every trial and tragedy contains the potential for something good to come of it.
Perhaps a death in the family brought the rest of you closer together, forming a stronger unit with even greater love and appreciation for one another.
By finding and nurturing the good that can come from life's tragedies we can use negative events to strengthen our character and become better people.
9. Connect to your purpose
The Stoics believed that every human had two primary purposes.
One is to serve the common good, working to the make the world a better place.
The second is the development of one's character.
While our external accomplishments can be stripped away, the fulfillment we gain through winning internal battles will stick with us for the rest of our lives.
Stoic philosophy suggests that to grow we must act virtuously; defined as living by the four stoic cardinal virtues: courage wisdom, justice and self-control.
10. Focus on what you can control, let go of what you cannot
In order to live a tranquil and virtuous life we must make a clear distinction between the things that are within our control and those that are not.
We have power over our minds not external events.
We must stop trying to control the outside world and instead focus on our own thoughts, beliefs and actions.
11. Manage your perceptions
Marcus Aurelius was known for viewing his challenges as tests from the gods, sent to to him to test and strengthen his character.
Negative events could no longer harm him emotionally because he controlled his perception of them, instead viewing them as things that will make him better.
When we control our perceptions in this way, we regain command of our inner world as external things can longer dictate how we feel.
12. Try and get along with people
Marcus Aurelius acknowledged how treacherous people can be.
“the people I deal with today will be meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous and surly...”
But he didn’t allow that to stop him from acting with virtue.
Instead, he endeavoured to foster a connection with the people around him, recognizing that we all share a common human mind with the same needs, and desires.
He understood that in order for the world to be a better place we must learn to work together.
Resolve to rise above the petty emotions people may try and draw you into and instead act in a way that drives progress and synergy.