Ever wonder how some people seem to power through life, no matter what’s thrown their way?

Whether it’s a setback, a challenge, or a tough decision, they just keep moving forward like they’ve got some secret formula.

Spoiler alert: they do.

The key? They’ve mastered habits that are as old as time—Stoic habits, to be exact. But don’t worry, you don’t need to wear a toga or live in ancient Rome to use them.

These 8 timeless Stoic principles will help you keep pushing ahead, no matter what life throws your way. 

1) Embrace challenges as opportunities

Life isn’t always a smooth journey, and we all face obstacles and setbacks. But those who continuously move forward in life have a unique way of viewing these so-called roadblocks.

These individuals practice a Stoic approach, seeing challenges not as hindrances but as opportunities for growth and learning.

By transforming our perception of obstacles, we can turn leaden situations into golden opportunities.

Instead of being paralyzed by fear or defeat, we become motivated to find innovative solutions and learn new skills.

Stoics embrace this mental shift because they understand that they cannot control the external world, but they can control how they respond to it.

In this light, every setback becomes a chance for personal evolution, making us stronger, more resilient, and better equipped for future hurdles.

It’s not about denying difficulty; it’s about harnessing it for growth and progression.

2) Live in alignment with your values

Another cornerstone of the Stoic philosophy is aligning our actions with our core values.

This alignment is not just about making ethical decisions; it’s about living a life that is true to who we are, which is a powerful motivator to keep moving forward.

In my own journey, I’ve found that when my actions are in sync with my values, I’m more resilient and determined.

It gives purpose to my actions, transforming them from mere tasks into meaningful pursuits.

By embodying our values in our daily lives, we create a strong foundation that helps us withstand the storms of life. 

3) Accept what you can’t control

Stoicism teaches us to recognize what is within our control and what isn’t.

This simple yet profound insight can dramatically shift our perspective and empower us to keep moving forward despite life’s unpredictable twists and turns.

This principle encourages us to focus our energy on the things we can influence – our attitudes, actions, and responses – rather than wasting time and mental energy on things beyond our control.

In my own experience, understanding and applying this Stoic principle has been a game-changer.

It has freed me from unnecessary stress and anxiety and has enabled me to be more resilient in the face of adversity.

To delve deeper into this transformative practice, I invite you to watch my video on “The Illusion of Happiness and Why Chasing It Makes You Miserable.”

In it, I discuss how true contentment comes not from external circumstances but from within, by embracing life’s challenges, fostering meaningful relationships, and staying true to oneself.

If you find the video helpful and would like to deepen your journey towards living a life with more purpose and freedom, consider joining over 30,000 others who have subscribed to my YouTube channel. You can subscribe here.

4) Cultivate self-compassion

In a world that often pushes us to be tough and unyielding, cultivating self-compassion can seem counterintuitive.

Yet, Stoicism reminds us that while hardiness has its place, being kind to ourselves is equally essential.

Self-compassion is about treating ourselves as we would a friend—offering understanding and kindness instead of harsh judgment when we make mistakes or experience setbacks.

Embracing self-compassion has been a transformative journey for me.

It has helped me let go of self-criticism and unrealistic expectations, allowing me to embrace who I am, warts and all.

This isn’t easy. It’s a daily practice, a choice we make to be gentle with ourselves even when we stumble.

The stoic philosopher Epictetus once said, “It is not the things themselves that disturb people but their judgments about those things.”

Indeed, self-compassion helps us to reframe our judgments about ourselves, turning them into stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks on our path forward.

5) Invest in authentic relationships

Stoicism, often misunderstood as a philosophy promoting emotional detachment, actually encourages us to value and invest in authentic relationships.

Stoics understood the profound importance of supportive communities and genuine connections.

Cultivating authentic relationships isn’t always easy. It requires vulnerability, empathy, and mutual respect.

It means showing up as our true selves, even when it’s uncomfortable.

If you’re curious about how to cultivate more authentic connections, especially in the realm of romantic relationships, I invite you to watch my video on choosing a life partner based on genuine compatibility and shared values.

Authentic relationships are not just about taking but also about giving back. They’re about contributing our unique gifts in service of something greater than ourselves.

In investing in these connections, we’re investing in our collective well-being and contributing to a more compassionate world.

6) Give up on the pursuit of happiness

While it may seem odd, Stoics believe we should stop chasing happiness, as it can’t be pursued directly.

True contentment comes from within, not from external things like wealth or status. Happiness is a byproduct of living according to our values, accepting life as it is, and focusing on what we can control.

It’s about finding fulfillment in the process, not in specific outcomes, and aligning financial decisions with purpose and values for deeper contentment.

7) Practice regular self-reflection

Stoicism is not just about accepting life’s challenges and moving forward; it’s also about regularly pausing to reflect on our experiences.

This practice of self-reflection allows us to learn from our past, make sense of our present, and plan for our future.

Self-reflection involves asking ourselves tough questions and being brutally honest with the answers.

It’s about understanding why we think, feel, and act the way we do. It encourages us to confront our fears, challenge our limiting beliefs, and cultivate self-compassion.

To facilitate this process of self-reflection, I’ve created a mirror exercise featuring five powerful questions to enhance self-love and improve your relationship with yourself. I invite you to watch the video here:

8) Cultivate resilience

Resilience is a hallmark of Stoicism.

It’s about developing the mental toughness needed to withstand life’s inevitable adversities and bounce back stronger.

Stoics understand that life will throw curveballs at us. Instead of wishing for a life free of problems, they focus on developing the strength and resilience necessary to handle whatever comes their way.

Cultivating resilience is not about ignoring or suppressing our feelings. It’s about acknowledging our emotions, yet choosing not to be controlled by them.

It’s about viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning rather than barriers to success.

The path to resilience is not always smooth. It requires courage, patience, and a deep belief in our own abilities. 

The power of stoic habits

If you’re interested in delving deeper into the exploration of this journey, I invite you to join over 30,000 others who have subscribed to my YouTube channel.

Here you can find more insights and tools for living life with more purpose and freedom. You can subscribe here.

As we close this discussion on stoic habits, I leave you with this question to ponder: How can you integrate these stoic habits into your daily life to keep moving forward, no matter what challenges you face?