If the intention is to close a cycle, learn from experiences this year and truly level up to a new phase of life, it is possible to incorporate words based on Stoic philosophy. You can start practicing these ten habits by not just listening, but committing to practicing them every day. Stoic philosophy is focused on practice, here you will find a series of mental tools, daily attitudes and applicable practices among other tools that can be used to help you overcome, whatever the situation, for your own good and for the good.
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Now, let's look at ten habits inspired by Stoicism, created to mark this transition from two thousand and twenty-three to two thousand and twenty-four. ONE. Create a Routine.
Think of your day as a puzzle. Without a routine, it's like having loose parts with no connection. However, by following a routine, you organize these pieces creating a clear and complete image.
The routine will not turn you into a robot with scheduled schedules, the power of the routine is not in being rigid, but in offering a path to direct your energy effectively. Routine has the ability to be a map that guides your choices, this brings us clarity to act in our lives, when we know what we have to do, we offer our brain predictability, this way it will spend less energy trying to guess what will happen next. next moment of our day and what makes us more efficient and productive.
Seneca, one of the most influential Stoic philosophers, already knew this and once said: "Life without a goal is completely empty; a well-structured day is a well-spent day. " Sometimes we understand the meaning of the word goal, only for important objectives, as something far away to be achieved, but in fact, it can be applied to every moment of our lives. So how do you build this routine?
It's not about simply copying other people's habits or plans, but about creating a routine compatible with your life reality. If you are young, live with your parents and are in your twenties, your reality is completely different from someone who is a mother and has two children, for example. Or, if you are married, you have obligations and responsibilities towards your home, children and family.
Therefore, it is crucial to start by identifying the cards you currently hold in life. Understand what you have and what your possibilities are, that is, what you can do with what you have. Build your routine from this.
This helps you understand where you currently are in your life, identifying your circumstances, resources and responsibilities. Then you can clearly define where you want to go by setting realistic and meaningful goals. By understanding your current position and visualizing your goals, you can align your capabilities and resources to create a routine that is viable and effective.
Dedicate your most productive hours to the most important tasks, those that require your attention and total creativity. For me, the routine starts early, it's about mastering the morning and not allowing it to dominate me. I start my day early, with activities that set a positive tone: like meditating, exercising, or studying that brings me more clarity, before the world even wakes up.
However, it is important to remember that a routine is not just about work; It's a question of balance. Include habits that nourish the mind, body and soul. This could involve reading a book or spending quality time with someone you love.
And no matter what, stick to your routine. Consistency is the glue that holds everything together. As you build this routine, you'll find it becomes a foundation for cultivating good habits.
After all, as Seneca reminds us, principles are necessary. And what is a routine if not a principle that you live by each day? Embrace this framework and watch as uncertain chaos transforms into a symphony of productivity and peace.
By embracing a balanced routine, you not only master your day, but you also create space for personal growth and true, deep well-being. TWO. Don't Allow Anxiety to Dominate You.
Renowned Stoic philosopher Seneca reminds us that: “Even when there is nothing wrong, nor the certainty that it will go wrong in the future, most mortals exist in a fever of anxiety. ” Letting anxiety dominate you is facing a storm that we all face, one that does not form in the heavens, but within us. Anxiety is like a shadow that accompanies us, whispering about what could go wrong, what could happen if it went wrong and enveloping us like an invisible chain that imprisons us with countless imaginary possibilities.
However, here is a Stoic truth: we are not actors on a stage, and anxiety should not be the stage manager, dictating our steps behind the scenes. Marcus Aurelius, a man who commanded the largest empire in the world in his time, understood this. In his meditations, he wrote: "Today I escaped anxiety, or rather, I discarded it because it was within me.
" That is a powerful realization. The storm does not flood outside, it does not close roads, but it is inside us, flooding our minds and closing off all our possibilities. Now, how do we free ourselves from this invisible chain?
The first fundamental step in dealing with anxiety is taking control of our own feelings. It is important to recognize that anxiety is a consequence of our thoughts, judgments and perceptions, and is not directly caused by the environment around us. It is something that distorts our vision, amplifying small and sometimes insignificant problems and situations into monumental problems.
The key is to see clearly, control our judgments and see each situation as it really is. At this point, the practice of mindfulness gains importance. Take a deep moment and ask the direct question: is this worry we feel a result of what is happening now or does it come from the fear I have of what will happen?
We will often find that it is more of the latter scenario. Excessive anxiety does not help us, on the contrary, it immobilizes us. It's like a rocking chair, you're in motion all the time, but you don't move, in fact there is movement, but there's no real advancement.
In Stoic wisdom, we understand that it is essential to transcend this illusion and seek a serene balance in the face of uncertainty. So, in this new year, not just wish, but commit to freeing yourself from the chains that bind us to anxiety. The difference between wanting and committing is action.
Committing is acting, projecting and achieving a goal. Focus on having a clear mind and a firm heart, as Marco Aurélio reminds us: “we have control over our mind, not over external events. When we understand this, we find invaluable inner strength.
” Let us always keep in mind: the only storm we must face is the one that resides within us. Accepting this truth and dedicating efforts to deal with it is the way to achieve greater tranquility and a more serene life. THREE.
Start with small steps. George Washington, whose determination shaped a nation, valued the wisdom contained in the expression: "As one plants a seed to harvest a tree, investing wisely in little things leads to great returns. " Although simple, this phrase carries profound truths.
The first is that the great is built from small things, sometimes tiny, like a seed. In life, great achievements result from the sum of small actions in our daily lives. Similarly, Seneca, an outstanding philosopher who spread Stoicism in ancient Rome, was correct in stating that well-being is achieved through small steps, and this is not something insignificant.
He understood that transformation does not happen all at once, but rather through small, intentional advances. Consider this the act of sowing seeds. Each little seed carries the potential to grow into something magnificent.
As we apply this principle to our goals and habits, think of a practical example, like the goal to read more. Instead Instead of setting an overwhelming, difficult-to-achieve goal, commit to small but steady progress, like reading a page a day. It may seem small, but together the small steps can take you a long way, as Epictetus confirms: “Nothing great is created suddenly” Keep in mind that a long journey begins with a single step, and a habit is formed through consistent action.
James Clear, in his work "Atomic Habits," masterfully explores this idea. The essence of atomic habits lies not just in their explosive potential, but in their fundamental nature. Just like an atom, the smallest unit contains immense power.
Similarly, our smaller habits are the building blocks for deep, lasting change. When we ignore the power of small daily tasks, we run the risk of falling into the “all of a sudden” trap. Suddenly I'm going to be a voracious and avid reader, but I'll start tomorrow.
Suddenly I'm going to get in shape and have the fit body of my dreams, but at this meal I'm going to order a snack. Suddenly I will have money to invest. But this month I'm going to spend uncontrollably.
Grandiose and unattainable promises gain strength when we believe that great results are achieved “suddenly”. Instead, focus on what's immediately in front of you, on the achievable and tangible, on starting to read a page a day, on making a healthier lunch choice, on controlling your spending on that payment. By combining these small daily victories, you will notice how they transform and convert into significant changes over time.
So as we enter the year two thousand and twenty-four, let us embrace and recognize the power of starting small. Always remember the wise words of Zenon of Citium: “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. ” So when faced with any goal or change you want to implement, remember the valuable lesson of Stoic philosophy: the power of consistency in small actions is the key to achieving significant , long-term achievements in your life.
Four. Free Up Important Resources. How Much How much time of our lives do we waste on meaningless activities?
We often claim to have little time, but if we check the usage time on our cell phone, or worse, as Instagram shows in its activity tab: “time spent” we discover the true situation. It's not so much about getting more time, but rather using what we already have wisely. Stoicism teaches us to prioritize our time, focusing only on the essentials.
Epictetus, a wise philosopher known for his pragmatism, said: "If you wish to improve , you must be willing to appear disoriented or stupid in some things. " It is only possible to truly progress when you are aware of your defects or what you may be lacking. Most people don't even know that they don't manage their time well, which is why they don't seek wisdom to learn either.
In the end, you can only seek wisdom if you realize that there is something missing. In other words, if you don't realize your flaws, dedicate yourself to self-knowledge or seriously analyze your values, you are, in fact, unconscious of all this, and little or no progress will be possible. Using your time consciously is related to making a conscious choice not to fall into the clutter of non-essentials, whether aimlessly browsing the news, consuming excessive information or getting distracted digitally, on shopping websites, for example.
The strategy for dealing with these situations involves dual awareness and action. Firstly, you need to develop awareness about the destiny of our time, that is, what you do with the twenty-four hours of your day. Keeping a log of activities for a day or even a week may be boring to do, but it's the only thing that gives you precision about what you do and how much time you dedicate to each activity.
This awareness is the first step towards change. Afterwards, decisive action comes into play. Start by reducing the time you dedicate to these distractions.
Set limits on use of applications, define specific moments to get information and avoid browsing aimlessly on the internet. It's not about disconnecting from the world, but about choosing not to blindly sink into it. When you reclaim your time, you'll find you have more space for what really matters: pursuing goals, cultivating meaningful relationships, and promoting your personal growth.
This habit is not just limited to time management, but also applies to managing our own lives. Its essence lies in ensuring that the precious hours of the day are invested in activities that enrich and strengthen our existence, rather than leaving us completely exhausted. Five.
Give yourself permission to stop. There is a real story of self-control about Dwight Eisenhower, World War II hero and president of the United States, a figure whose choices changed the course of human history, faced a formidable enemy: his addiction to smoking four packs of cigarettes a day. His doctor's incisive words served as an urgent call: give up smoking or face disastrous consequences.
In response, Eisenhower issued the cease order, abruptly abandoning an ingrained forty-year habit. This exemplifies a profound principle: “no man is truly free unless he has dominion over himself,” in the words of Epictetus. This story isn't just about overcoming a smoking habit; It's about conquering whatever addiction has enslaved you.
We all have our battles, whether with unhealthy habits, procrastination or negative thoughts, insecurities, feeling like we don't deserve to live a better life. The complete change lies in the affirmative imperative, in giving the order to stop. When you assert control over your impulses instead of allowing them to control you.
Seneca, another Stoic sage, observed that we are all slaves to something, but the beauty of Stoicism is in recognizing that we hold the mental and psychological keys to our own chains. How to apply this to your life? Identify that one thing.
Maybe it's that extra cup of coffee, endless scrolling on social media, procrastinating while you have a paper due, smoking one more cigarette with friends at work, drinking too much at parties, or any habit that is more of a hindrance than a help. . Recognize its impact on your life and make a firm, forceful decision to stop.
This is not a gradual change; it is a definitive and deliberate action. Something you want to do! Don't imprint the past on your present actions.
When you tell yourself to stop, you're not just breaking a habit; He is demanding his freedom. And as you enter two thousand and twenty-four, take this message with you: you are the commander of your destiny, and the first order is to master yourself. Six.
Do Something That Challenges You. How can we challenge ourselves with a life so facilitated by technology? Believe me, it's not just the fact that we live surrounded by technology that we end up complacent, the Stoics, more than two thousand years ago, without all the facilities we have today, also suffered from this.
When starting each new year, Seneca did not limit himself to just establishing resolutions, but practiced voluntary suffering, an exercise that the Stoics considered fundamental to developing mental resistance to deal with adversity. He made a powerful statement by diving into the icy waters of the Tiber River. I didn't do it to swim; it was a demonstration of control over himself.
He firmly proclaimed, "I am in charge. " And, even though the water was cold, Seneca lit a flame of personal affirmation and resistance in his mind. It serves as a vivid reminder that sometimes accomplishing something challenging can be the most empowering and eye-opening act we can do for ourselves.
Now, how can we incorporate this valuable Stoic lesson into our lives? It all starts with leaving your comfort zone. Choose something that challenges you, something that makes you feel a little uncomfortable.
It could be drinking coffee without sugar, for example. Maintain a month of exercise, without missing training. Wake up an hour earlier to meditate and study.
Face a cold shower or even break the pattern and learn a new skill. The activity itself is a means, the purpose of the action is to expand your own personal limits. In moments of discomfort, we experience remarkable personal growth.
It is in these moments that we truly discover what we are capable of. The essence of this practice lies not just in the difficulty itself, but in the reaffirmation of our will over our own instincts. It is a testimony to our inner strength, a clear demonstration that we are much more than our fears and indecisions.
There is no gain without pain and this is a fundamental concept in Stoicism, as the philosopher Epictetus reminds us: “Difficulties show a person’s character. ” In two thousand and twenty four, put yourself to the test, according to the Stoics, it is in difficult moments that we know our true nature and inner strength. Seven.
Don't delay your Progress. Sometimes we are so used to our lives that even though we really want to progress, we feel afraid of changing and situations that were “temporary” become permanent reality. Just think about a piece of furniture or object at home that broke, and instead of fixing it, we ended up living with an improvised adaptation for years, a "workaround".
The message here is: don't be afraid of change. Face the transformation as if you were venturing into the incredible world of surfing. If you resist, you will be carried away by the waves of life, but if you adapt, you will flow with ease.
If you resist, you will be swept away by the waves, but if you adapt, you will flow with ease. Marco Aurélio, in his deep reflections, thought about how life is always changing. Understanding that life is a constant flow of transformations is important.
By fearing change, we miss the countless opportunities they can bring. It's not just about not fearing change, but also about changing your perspectives, to welcome it in a new way, seeing it as a natural part of progress. It is an open window for growth, learning and exploring new experiences.
This year, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Whether in small steps, deciding to learn something new, or in big steps, such as a career change or even a reevaluation of your perspective. It is precisely in moments of uncertainty and newness that we often find the greatest personal growth and deepest satisfaction.
Additionally, cultivate a mindset of adaptability, like a tree that bends in the wind but remains firm. Learn to be flexible in the face of changes. Adaptability does not mean being passive, but rather actively finding ways to thrive and grow in new contexts and circumstances.
EIGHT. MAGNET Attracts MAGNET. Establishing connections with people who contribute to your growth is essential.
The influence of those around us goes beyond what we usually realize; Although this idea is not groundbreaking, the Stoics, like Seneca, understood it deeply. In his writings, he emphasized the value of surrounding oneself with individuals who promote development and wisdom. In his words, 'associate yourself with those who will make you a better person.
' This concept is not limited to just the field of friendships, but to all the people who influence us and who have shaped your character and your life. The people we share most of our time with often reflect the qualities we admire and desire for ourselves . That's why we have to think and evaluate who we live with and are influenced by.
The search is not to find perfect people, but to identify those who challenge us, promote growth and are aligned with our values. The idea is not to only associate with people who praise you, especially if those compliments are empty. But, yes, with people who influence you to be better.
Build our own stoic circle, practice activities that feed our mind and spirit. And also become a person that other people want to associate with. As Seneca wisely said, we learn as we teach.
When we surround ourselves with people who push us to achieve our best selves, we not only rise to the occasion, we exceed expectations. May the year two thousand and twenty-four be a phase in which we carefully take care of our garden of influences, ensuring that each individual that makes up it contributes in a meaningful way to our personal journey of growth and self-realization. NINE.
KNOW HOW TO SAY NO. Learning to refuse, whatever it may be, has become a fundamental skill for staying focused and achieving mental clarity. Marcus Aurelius, a leader faced with the complexities of governing an empire, understood the importance of discernment.
Wisely, he pointed out that many of our actions are not essential. By rejecting the superfluous, we not only free up valuable time, but also expand our ability to focus on what really matters, creating meaningful space by untangling the chaos that surrounds our everyday lives. To incorporate this principle into our existence, it is crucial to carefully evaluate our commitments.
Are they aligned with our personal values and goals? Being occupied is not producing. You can be busy all day, and still, at the end of the day, not have gotten anywhere.
And, with the thousands of distractions we have today, this has become very easy and possible to happen. Practicing the art of saying no to these distractions does not imply being distant or uncooperative, but rather establishing limits that allow us to direct our energy towards truly meaningful activities. Every time we spend our time and energy without purpose, we fail to live what really matters.
Transforming this dynamic involves granting a deep and conscious value to each choice. This coming year, ensure that your choices are conscious, that your activities nourish your life in all aspects and not that you just “waste your time”. This selective way of choosing your actions is a deep commitment to excellence and authenticity.
It's making the conscious decision to invest our time and effort in what shapes our essence, challenges our growth, and helps us forge the life we truly desire to live. When we commit in this way, we don't just say yes to specific activities, but we affirm our commitment to what really matters in our lives. Define what will be essential for your life and in 2024, know how to say no to what is not defined.
TEN. Get the Rhythm Back. Marco Aurélio, became known as the last of the Five Good Emperors, for his government and ability to get up and start over.
He had a remarkable mindset about the inevitability of facing obstacles and making mistakes throughout our lives. His reflections focused not only on the importance of rising after a fall, but also on recognizing the intrinsic beauty of our humanity that enables us to achieve this feat. Every process is difficult, because it's what happens in between, the transformation of who we are, to who we want to be.
And, in practice, we inevitably make mistakes, stop and fall. Therefore, Marco Aurélio adopted stoicism and practiced it to develop a mentality of resistance and patience. The diet will not always be followed exactly.
Or we will not lose our patience in moments of maximum irritation. But, when we make mistakes in our daily choices, be it mistakes in our diet, absence from training or weakness when making decisions, it is essential at this time to respond patiently to ourselves. Education needs correction.
Spanking correction does not work to change your consciousness, it only works temporarily out of fear. In other words, if any of these mistakes happen and you sink into self-criticism, curse yourself, humiliate yourself, belittle yourself, next time, you may even be able to follow through, but not because you learned, but rather out of fear. When you diminish yourself due to a mistake, there is a good chance that you will stop trying to progress.
Recognize the mistake and raise your head, put yourself on the right path again, as Marco Aurélio reminds us: “Regain your senses, turn yourself back on, and once again wake up. ” Embracing this last habit is where true transformation lies. It's about ingraining the habit of self-compassion and persistence with each return to the right path.
On this journey, celebrate our ability to recover and get back on track, no matter how many times we have lost it, it is crucial. Stoicism is a practical philosophy. And that in 2024 these habits will be part of your life and you will be able to live the best year ever.
And if you made it this far, comment: “Gratitude”. Now to learn a little more about this incredible philosophy, check out our complete playlist. I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thanks for watching and see you in the next video.
