Stoicism is sometimes associated with suppression of feelings or endurance of pain. But actually it is not about ‘suppress,’ but more about ‘control.’ Don’t let your rationality led by your emotions. The followings are several my favorite rules from stoicism. Let’s check them out :)
- Find your life model
Sometimes you feel unmotivated and disoriented, or you don’t know what to do in some situations. Observe the people around you, read some books, or listen to some wise people talk. Find someone you really admire. Next time when you face difficulties (no matter it is small such as getting up in the morning or something that you might meet at your work), imagine what would your life model do, and how would he/she solve the problem. Let them guide you.
2. Find your life motto
Similar to a life model, sometimes you need some guides for your life. In contrast to finding a life model, finding your life motto is to find the rules & principles from yourself. Find some great quotes or think about what kind of philosophy suits you the most. Write them down in your notebooks or show them in an obvious place. They gonna remind you what kind of person you wanna become and how you wanna behave.
3. Play your own roles well
Life is just like a drama and we are the actors/actress. We don’t have a choice to decide which role we want to play or how the plot would be going. We can only try the best to play our roles. So focus on your own roles.
Another good metaphor:
“you can not decide what cards dealt to you; you can only play the cards in your hand to the best.”
A good player wins with bad cards. So don't complain.
4. Accept what happened
Accept what happened and accept the fact that there are some things we can not change. Thus, don’t try to control everything. Don’t expect that everything will go as we planned.
Moreover, some times you may regret what you have done or be tangled with a mistake you have made. Accept it. And rather focus on now, focus on the things right in front of you.
5. Don’t say yes without conditions
Another wise tip to maintain serenity and calm. You don’t need to always say yes. There are many uncontrollable factors in our life. You can not guarantee everything will go well.
I will sail across the ocean if nothing prevents me — Seneca
Or I will do the fitness on Monday and Thursday, when the destiny allows. I can achieve the goal, when the god wants. I can help, when I have time…Try to exercise it yourself.
6. Put aside unnecessary time-consumers
Sometimes we just spend our time without thinking of it. Unnecessary things include hours-long binging series, numerous networking with small talks, gossiping with your friends, and following Trump’s scandals.
Put your energy on more important things. Have a goal. Don’t wander around aimless and waste your time on these trivial things with minimum value.
Ask yourself in every moment: Is it necessary?
7. Minimalistic lifestyle
Minimalism is also one branch of stoicism. Don’t let stuffs pile up and bother you.
Keep in your heart, not in your house.
8. The Anti-Puppet Mindset
There might be many voices in your surroundings. You might get some ambiguous remarks from your colleges and nodding acquaintance or comments from a total stranger from the internet. In addition to people, your mood might also swayed by weather, News, Ads and so on…
“If a person gave away your body to some passersby, you’d be furious. Yet you hand over your mind to anyone who comes along, so they may abuse you, leaving it disturbed and troubled — have you no shame in that?” — Epictetus
Don’t be the puppet of your surroundings. Focus on yourself and do the right things.
Reference:
Das kleine Handbuch des Stoizismus von Jonas Salzgeber
