Three Stoic Strategies for Becoming Happier
Although you probably already know this, humans can improve the way their minds work. Many people have made this a personal goal in recent years. There are many tools and exercises that can help you achieve this. In this article, we’ll share some Stoic strategies for becoming happier.
Who were the Stoics?
It’s funny how, even after all these centuries, this ancient Greek philosophy is still running strong.
In this regard, Stoicism was a philosophical school founded in 301 B.C. by Zeno of Citium. According to him, the most important things in life were self-control and self-mastery. Thus, according to Stoicism, things like passion or the temptation to surrender to your desires get in the way of happiness.
The Stoics had two basic tools to help them achieve their philosophical goals: reason and courage. That’s how they achieved or tried to achieve wisdom and happiness. They also believed in getting rid of all material belongings.
Stoic strategies for becoming happier
By now you’ve probably realized that using Stoic strategies for becoming happier means following in the footsteps of some of the greatest thinkers in history. For example, you’ve probably heard of Cicero, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius.
There are no obstacles, only paths
This strategy might seem difficult at first glance, but it’s actually very simple. When you run into an obstacle, consider it an opportunity to learn, grow, and become stronger. Use obstacles as ways to help you get farther.
Thus, when an obstacle comes your way, don’t fall into a cycle of toxic thoughts. In other words, try not to lose control over yourself. Although you can’t control the outside world, you can control your inner world.
Make balance a goal
Experts say that Marcus Aurelius used this strategy often. What does it mean? Its basic idea is that anytime something throws you off balance, one of your first priorities should be to get it back.
But how do you do that? It’s simple, you just have to make it your goal. Doing that will make your brain see it as a competition with yourself, which will give you the drive to want to achieve it. Once you’ve achieved balance, you’ll turn on your brain’s reward system, which will unconsciously reinforce your efforts to find happiness.
Find a role model
This strategy isn’t just a Stoic thing. Some NLP experts also believe in it. Anytime you feel unstable, you should look for a role model and try to imitate them.
For example, imagine that you’ve fallen off track and aren’t in a good place. This is when you should ask yourself what the person you look up to would do in your place or what the best version of yourself would do.
Once you’ve started on that path, the rest is simple. All you have to do is start taking action along those lines. That way, you can channel reality in the same direction and find happiness.
The Stoics were wise people who focused on finding the best version of themselves to achieve happiness and balance. Try out these Stoic strategies for becoming happier any time you feel unstable and re-direct your life!
“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this and you will find strength.”
-Marcus Aurelius-
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
