3 Important Stoic Habits

Author

Betwixt Chaos
November 11, 2023

3 Important Stoic Habits

There are 3 habits from Stoicism that you can begin practicing right now.

These habits as well, in my eyes, provide the best return-on-investment for your mental wellness and quality of life.

In this week’s segment, each habit will have a quote justifying it’s foundation as well as an explanation into why it’s beneficial. Let’s get started, shall we?

🧭 Habit #1: Reflection 🧭

“When the lamp is taken out of my sight, and my wife, who knows my habit has ceased to talk, I pass the whole day in review before myself, and repeat all that I have said and done.

I conceal nothing from myself, and omit nothing, for why should I be afraid of any of my shortcoming when it is in my power to say, ‘I pardon you this time, see that you never do that anymore?’”

Seneca, On Anger (3.36)

Every day, reflect on how you acted, what you did wrong, what you did good, and what you could’ve done better. Gradually over time, you’ll recognize that you stop doing the bad things you criticized yourself for doing and replace it with better actions with morals behind them.

It’s the most difficult habit to begin; however, it reaffirms good value and reduces bad action. It just takes a little bit of work ;)

😥 Habit #2: Dealing with Difficulty 😥

“Difficulties are the things that show what men are.

For the future, in case of any difficulty, remember that God, like a gymnastic trainer, has pitted you against a rough antagonist.

For what end? That you may be an Olympic conqueror, and this cannot be without toil.”

Epictetus, Discourses (Chapter XXIV)

Next time you are faced with a difficulty, don’t complain. The habit of facing difficulty implies the habit of loving adversity. The biggest benefit allows you to become more resilient to the circumstances you are faced with. You don’t waver from challenges but instead, are excited to conquer them and prove yourself strong.

Figure out a way and push through. You will grow stronger on the other side of the mountain. The Stoics guaranteed it.

🌧️ Habit #3: Perception 🌧️

“That things have no hold on the soul.

They stand there unmoving outside it. Disturbance comes only from within - from our own perceptions.”

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (4.3)

We decide our outlook on the world. Next time you have a negative connotation to something, ask yourself why? Challenge yourself on your own viewpoint. Make that the habit. Become the person that makes it a habit to see the good even when good seems fleeting.

Try to see the light at the end of the tunnel, regardless of how long the tunnel is. You’ll find that bad days will eventually become non-existent. 

Cheers,

Betwixt

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