Being a stoic

Have you ever been in a situation where there is a lot happening around you and you are trying to take control of the situation? A group of philosophers in Ancient Greece called Stoics made up a way of being in control of what we can: ourselves, so we can be happy. To do that, follow these steps:

1: Steady Your Nerves. We know many people that stay cool no matter what is happening, as great people in history have done it and remain themselves: athletes before a contest, firefighters, soldiers, etc.

“What such a man needs is not courage but nerve control, cool-headedness. This he can only get by practice.”—Theodore Roosevelt.

2: Control Your Emotions. Is all about not panicking, not leaving it to the environment to take control, but to master the art of staying cool. That doesn’t mean to deny what we are feeling, but to acknowledge them and where we are to find the best way to respond.

“Would you have a great empire? Rule over yourself.”—Publius Syrus

3: Practice Objectivity. Consider the good thing and the bad things, we tend to focus on the bad ones faster than the good ones. Being objective is to have a rational analysis of both of those points of view so we can measure right.

“Don’t let the force of an impression when it first hits you knock you off your feet; just say to it: Hold on a moment; let me see who you are and what you represent. Let me put you to the test.” — Epictetus

4: Practice Contemptuous Expressions. See things as they are, without adding more to what it is there. Having an expectation can lead us to disappointment or confusion, recognize the simplicity in things and live simple.

«Beauty begins when we decide to be ourselves.»- Coco Channel

5: Alter Your Perspective. Things matter because we want them to matter, but when we see the true value of things, they don’t have it. Consider reality as it is, not with subtitles that may mislead us. This will make us ready for what is coming.

“Man does not simply exist but always decides what his existence will be, what he will become the next moment. By the same token, every human being has the freedom to change at any instant.”—Viktor Frankl

6: Live in the Present Moment. Carpediem, take the most of your present, seaize the day is to pay attention, to be mindful of what you do. Living in the moment helps us to be better and be there.

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”—Mother Theresa

7: Look for the Opportunity. If we see things for what they are, and we make the most of it, then we can be able to take all the opportunities life has to offer, and that is what being realistic and stay focus help us to live in the moment, the best way we can.

“A good person dyes events with his own colour…and turns whatever happens to his own benefit.”—Seneca

Want to be happy? Live like a stoic.