Bringing Stoicism into my daily practice

“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius

If timeless philosophical principles have guided leaders through history’s many challenges, why wouldn’t they also be effective in modern leadership? Stoicism offers practical tools to handle stress, make ethically grounded decisions, and maintain strong personal integrity—qualities I find essential to incorporate into my personal leadership practice.

One of the core Stoic lessons that resonates with me is the importance of focusing on what I can control—my thoughts and actions—and letting go of the things beyond my control, such as external circumstances. This mindset has been key as I navigate leadership's fast-paced and sometimes chaotic nature. By mastering the ability to control my reactions and remain focused on rational responses, I aim to foster a culture where decisions are made based on ethical principles rather than impulsive reactions to external pressures.

A key part of my daily practice is taking time for reflection, and this is done every day when I go for my run. During that time, I reflect on my decisions, actions, and reactions throughout the day. I ask myself whether I acted in alignment with the Stoic virtues: Did I demonstrate wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance in how I handled challenges? This reflective practice during my run helps me stay aligned with Stoic values, ensuring that self-improvement remains a constant pursuit.

“Progress is not achieved by luck or accident, but by working on yourself daily.” – Epictetus

In this reflection, I remind myself to focus only on what is within my control. My thoughts, my actions, and my attitudes are the things I can influence, and letting go of external factors that are out of my reach helps me maintain calm, even when external circumstances become unpredictable. This approach enables me to make decisions rooted in rational thought rather than fear or frustration, providing stability in my personal and professional life.

Another guiding principle that has become central to my personal leadership practice is?"Do no harm before you do good."?This principle acts as a compass, steering my decisions to ensure their impact is carefully considered. Before taking action, I try to evaluate whether my choices are informed and if I fully understand the potential consequences. In Stoicism, four virtues guide decision-making and behavior:?wisdom, courage, justice,?and?temperance.?These virtues form the foundation of Stoic philosophy and are principles I strive to incorporate into my leadership practice.

I, therefore, try to apply?wisdom?to avoid harming others through ignorance or haste, ensuring my decisions are informed and well-considered.?Courage?plays a significant role, as doing the right thing often requires standing firm, even when faced with difficult or unpopular decisions. Through?justice, I remind myself always to consider fairness and the well-being of others, striving to ensure that my leadership remains ethical and balanced. Lastly,?temperance?keeps me grounded, helping me act thoughtfully and with restraint, ensuring that my actions are deliberate rather than impulsive. In a world where our decisions carry broader implications—whether it's the impact on the climate, resources, or society—practicing temperance encourages us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions. In my leadership practice, this means weighing the long-term impact of decisions on both our organization and the world around us, especially when considering sustainability and ethical resource management. This mindset aligns with today’s growing awareness of sustainability, where thoughtful, measured choices are critical to addressing global challenges like climate change and resource management.

“Nothing, to my way of thinking, is a better proof of a well-ordered mind than a man’s ability to stop just where he is and pass some time in his own company.” – Seneca

Managing emotions is another crucial aspect of Stoic practice. Stoicism has made me aware that while emotions are natural, they do not have to control my actions. When I find myself feeling overwhelmed—whether by stress, frustration, or other intense emotions—I take a moment to pause and breathe. This allows me to regain focus and ensure my response is measured, thoughtful, and aligned with what truly matters. In leadership, this practice has helped me navigate difficult conversations and high-pressure situations with a clearer mind, ensuring I make decisions that reflect my values and my team's needs.

The Stoic concept of?amor fati—the acceptance of fate—has also profoundly impacted my personal leadership practice. Reminding myself that certain situations are beyond my control frees me from the stress and frustration of trying to change the unchangeable. This acceptance enables me to focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems, allowing me to lead my team through challenges with resilience and confidence.

Looking back, I recognize that many of the circumstances I face today—both positive and negative—are the result of choices and actions I made in the past. Some decisions have set the foundation for success, while others may have contributed to challenges now part of the unchangeable present. Acknowledging this helps me accept my current situation, knowing that my role is to learn from these experiences and use them to make better, more informed decisions moving forward.

“Fate leads the willing, and drags along the reluctant.” – Seneca

As I try to incorporate these Stoic principles into my daily life and private leadership practice, I can better create an environment that prioritizes ethical behavior, self-control, and rational decision-making. Stoicism is not just my personal philosophy; it is the cornerstone of my leadership approach, empowering me to lead with clarity, integrity, and purpose.

It is all about #leadership, #Stoicism, #SelfReflection, #Integrity and #PersonalDevelopment