🏛 12 Simple Ways to Practice Stoicism

When people think of Stoicism, they often imagine suppressing emotions or staying tough no matter what. But that’s not what Stoicism is really about.

In my recent episode with Ryan Holiday (one of the most influential modern Stoics), I learned that this ancient philosophy is built around one simple but powerful idea: we don’t control the world, but we control how we respond to it.

Stoicism isn’t just a mindset; it’s a daily practice of small, intentional habits. Here are 12 ways to apply Stoicism to live more intentionally, stay grounded, and focus on what truly matters.

1. Journal Every Day

Ryan calls journaling the most powerful Stoic exercise. Writing regularly, even for a few minutes, helps you clarify what matters, process emotions, and stay grounded in what’s within your control.

2. Begin and End the Day with Reflection

The Stoics began each morning by imagining what might go wrong and ended each evening by reviewing what actually happened. Start your day anticipating challenges and end it by reflecting on how you handled them.

3. Focus on What You Can Control 

The foundation of Stoicism is understanding that you can’t control what happens, only how you respond. The more you accept this truth, the less energy you waste on things outside your influence, and the more peace you’ll find.

4. Create Stillness

Stillness is the ability to pause and think clearly before reacting. Ryan describes it as a form of strength, and I completely agree. You can build stillness through journaling, meditation, quiet walks, or simply by putting your phone away. It gives you the space to make better decisions and reduce stress.

5. Practice Courage in Your Daily Life

Courage isn’t just about big, dramatic acts. It’s about doing the right thing even when it’s uncomfortable, like having the tough conversation, standing up for your values, or taking a risk that matters. 

6. Find Balance Through Self-Discipline

The Stoic virtue of temperance, or self-discipline, is about knowing the right amount—not too much, not too little. Anything taken too far becomes a vice, and so discipline is knowing when to push and when to rest, when to say yes and when to say no.

7. Choose Voluntary Discomfort

The Stoics believed that occasional discomfort builds strength and resilience. Small challenges like cold plunges, fasting, or hard workouts remind you that you can handle more than you think. Ryan does this to stay grounded and prepared for whatever life brings.

8. Put Every Impression to the Test

When something happens and your first reaction is anger, frustration, or judgment, take a pause. Ask yourself, “Is this actually true?” That small moment of reflection helps you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.

9. Live with Justice

Justice, in Stoicism, means fairness, service, and integrity. Ryan defined it simply: “Doing the right thing because it’s right.” It’s not about what we expect from others, but about how we choose to act, whether it’s being honest, kind, and contributing to the common good.

10. Manage Your Information Diet

Ryan doesn’t watch much news, and it’s easy to see why. “Most of what’s in the news are things you can’t control,” he said. Protect your attention by being intentional about what you read, watch, and listen to. Focus on what’s meaningful and actionable instead.

11. Practice Memento Mori (Remember You’ll Die)

The Stoic reminder of mortality isn’t morbid; it’s motivating. Reflecting on the fact that life is finite helps you focus on what really matters, spend your time intentionally, and let go of small frustrations.

12. Read a Little Philosophy Every Day

Ryan treats reading Stoic texts like Meditations and Letters from a Stoic like mental workouts. He compares it to athletes training their bodies. As he puts it, “Philosophy isn’t something you learn once; it’s something you practice every day.”

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