6 Stoic Mantras For Unshakeable Grit, Self-Discipline and Mental Resilience

Stoicism has changed my perception of many experiences in life.

Imagine life as a river. You can’t control the current, but you can control your boat. Stoicism is like learning to steer your boat through calm waters and rapids with wisdom.

Life used to feel like a tidal wave, constantly pulling me under with its unpredictability and anxieties. The principles of stoic philosophers have reframed my reactions, choices, and overall outlook in life. I use them to process loss differently, view challenges as opportunities, and approach my relationships with more acceptance.

These short, potent, stoic mantras have improved my mental strength in the last two years. I hope they help you forge a path towards mental resilience.

1. Negative judgement of life experiences can amplify mental suffering — Epictetus

We apply pre-existing beliefs, desires, and expectations to filter experiences, twisting neutral events into positive or negative judgments.

We cling to judgments, believing they define our reality. The attachment can amplify suffering when things don’t go as expected, like feeling devastated if a relationship you judged “perfect” ends.

“What upsets people is not things themselves, but their judgements about these things.” — Epictetus

We often judge experiences and things about others, leading to dissatisfaction. Don’t assume your judgments are absolute truths. Challenge them by asking, “Is this helpful?” or “Is there another way to see this?” Examining underlying assumptions can reveal biases and distortions.

The goal isn’t to eliminate all judgments or emotions. However, understanding their influence and learning to let go of unhelpful attachments can significantly reduce suffering and increase contentment.

2. The journey is the destination– Seneca

Living and learning are just as important as achieving specific goals. Instead of focusing on reaching a specific goal, learn to appreciate the experiences and lessons you gain along the way. The journey itself becomes the source of your satisfaction, not just the endpoint.

“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing.” — Seneca

Appreciate the beauty and significance of everyday experiences, regardless of their apparent importance. A sunny day, a meaningful conversation, or a personal accomplishment can all contribute to the joy of the journey.

Learning, overcoming challenges, and becoming a better version of yourself becomes the primary reward.

See yourself as a work in progress, constantly evolving and learning. Each step on the journey contributes to your personal growth and fulfilment.

3. Internal peace is a high priority — Marcus Aurelius

Internal peace is not just the absence of trouble or negative emotions. It’s a state of calmness, acceptance, and resilience in facing life’s challenges.

“Today I have got out of all trouble, or rather I have cast out all trouble, for it was not outside, but within and in my opinions.” — Marcus Aurelius

For Aurelius, internal peace stemmed from Stoic principles like virtue, reason, and acceptance of what is beyond our control. These principles helped him maintain perspective and focus on what he could control: his own thoughts and actions.

You are the master of your thoughts; they should not disturb your internal peace. Exercise control over your thoughts — it promotes inner harmony.

A peaceful mind is less susceptible to stress and anxiety, leading to better mental and physical health. When you’re at peace with yourself, you have more capacity for healthy and fulfilling relationships.

The first step towards inner peace is understanding yourself. Explore your thoughts, emotions, and triggers to identify patterns and biases contributing to suffering.

Trying to control everything or resist what is creates tension and suffering. Instead, practice accepting what you cannot control, letting go of attachments, and focusing on what you can influence — your own reactions and interpretations.

4. How you react to what you cannot control is how you create unnecessary suffering— Epictetus

Ask yourself if what you are afraid of is in your control. Fear often stems from anxieties about things beyond our control. This stoic mantra prompts us to identify the source of our fear and assess whether it holds any real power over us.

Distinguishing what we can and cannot control liberates us from unnecessary anxieties. Identifying things beyond your control is a stoic approach to gaining a newfound perspective.

“We cannot control the external events around us, but we can control our reactions to them.” — Epictetus.

Worrying about uncontrollable events only depletes our energy and mental capacity. Channel energy into areas within your control, releasing attachment to external outcomes.

What exactly does this mantra do? It becomes a guide to mental resilience, steering us away from unnecessary anxieties. You free up mental space to focus on what we can actively shape and influence.

5. The obstacle will always be the way — Marcus Aurelius

Aurelius is saying problems can actually help us. Instead of seeing challenges as things blocking our path, we can view them as chances to improve.

Obstacles are stepping stones to wisdom. Think of them as opportunities to learn, grow, and deepen your understanding of life.

“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” — Marcus Aurelius

Here’s a quick trick to remember:

Obstacle = Challenge

The way = How you grow and learn

So, put them together: Challenge is how you grow and learn!

Isn’t that an excellent way to look at things? Now, go out there and conquer those obstacles; remember, they’re not roadblocks; they’re your path to the top!

When we face difficulties, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow. Look at obstacles not as problems but as the way forward — a path to becoming stronger and more resilient.

Think of it like this:

Without challenges, you wouldn’t have the chance to learn and improve. Facing challenges is how you build resilience, skills, and character.

6. Control what you can, accept what you cannot. — Epictetus

Imagine you’re juggling. You can toss the balls in the air, keep them moving in a rhythmic pattern, and adjust your throws to keep them from falling. That’s like the things you can control: your thoughts, emotions, and actions.

“The chief task in life is simply this: identifying and separating matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. Where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own…” — Epictetus

But what if a gust of wind comes along? You can’t control the wind but can adjust your juggling to compensate. That’s like accepting what’s beyond your control: external events, other people’s actions, and things like the weather.

Here’s another way to think about it. Trying to control the actions of others or how the future unfolds is like holding water in your hands. It will slip through no matter what you do, and you’ll end up frustrated.

Focusing on your juggling (things within your control) is like learning to throw and catch with precision. It takes practice, but it gives you the skills to handle whatever comes your way.

Accepting what is beyond our control frees us from unnecessary frustration and allows us to respond to situations with greater clarity.

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