Remember that external metrics like social media likes or followers are not a true measure of your worth; instead, focus on cultivating your inner virtue and goodness. This helps you avoid being driven by false glory and superficial validation.
Understand that true virtue (excellence of character) is always good and sufficient for happiness, while external factors like health or wealth are ‘indifferents’ that are preferred but should not determine your happiness. This perspective reduces perturbation by anchoring well-being in character.
Aspire to rational desire, cautiousness, and ‘rational exuberance’ by slowing down responses and filtering them through reason. This transforms debilitating emotions into calm, equitable states.
Monitor your impressions and reactions by inserting a pause between the initial input and your response. This ‘observing ego’ creates space for reason to take control of your emotions.
Mentally rehearse potential negative events, from minor annoyances to significant losses, to prepare for them in advance. This reduces the likelihood of being blindsided or upended if they occur.
Cultivate resilience by framing intentions with an ‘if clause’ (e.g., ‘I’ll do X unless Y happens’). This allows you to be nimble and agile, quickly updating plans based on new information.
Recognize the limits of your control, especially concerning the agency of others, and focus your efforts on what you can genuinely influence. This involves giving space to others’ autonomy and not dictating their actions.
When making decisions, strive to understand the full picture and all its facets, rather than focusing on isolated impulses. This helps ensure the best course of action prevails by considering complex representations.
Engage in cooperative endeavors that prioritize listening over talking, genuinely seeking to understand other perspectives. This openness allows you to uncover new insights and challenge your own cognitive biases.
Recognize your inherent tendency to seek out confirming evidence and disregard refuting information. This awareness is crucial for making better decisions and getting closer to reality.
Recognize that emotions are not always detrimental but can be valuable allies, sparking interest, passion, and commitment. Infuse conversations and intellectual endeavors with this ‘juice’ to foster creativity and deeper understanding.
Engage in daily journaling, particularly at the end of the day, to reflect on your reactions and responses to events. This practice helps clarify thinking, make sense of experiences, and identify areas for improvement.
Actively seek ways to cool down your autonomic system, recognizing that sped-up emotions often stem from an overactive internal state. This helps reduce unreflective responses and promotes emotional regulation.
Supplement Stoic reflection with Eastern mindful practices, such as using a mantra, to quiet your mind and empty your head. This approach complements discursive reflection by calming the autonomic system and reducing mental chatter.
Practice visualizing distant groups or ‘outer circles’ as part of your ‘inner circle’ or kin, fostering a sense of cosmopolitanism and empathy. This helps you understand what others bring to the world and see yourself as a cooperative global citizen.
When experiencing self-rage, shame, or guilt, open yourself up to the perspective of a trusted loved one or friend to find self-compassion. This external gaze can help you see yourself through a more benevolent lens.