3 Stoic Strategies To Be Happier

We have found that we can improve the way we work on the mental plane; thus, for many, this is an objective that has become part of their agendas. To do this, we have routes and tools that can help us in this regard. Following this line, we are going to propose a series of stoic strategies to be happier. What do you think?

It is curious how, despite the centuries that have passed, this current whose origin dates back to Ancient Greece is still in force . A very clear example of this is mindfulness . Today they offer us this therapy as if it were a modern invention, although it appeared in Asian cultures several tens of centuries ago. The same thing happens with Stoicism.

Who were the Stoics?

Before exposing the stoic strategies to be happier, you may wonder what stoicism is. It is logical, in fact, it is worth knowing what this movement was and why it is still valid even today.

Stoicism was the philosophical school founded in 301 BC by Zeno of Citius. 2300 years ago, this Greek philosopher became the forerunner of a whole current of thought that had a great presence in Greco-Roman culture. According to the theses of the Stoics, their way of life is based on a philosophical doctrine centered on the control and mastery of one’s own. Thus, passion, as an incitement to abandon desires, would be one of the main enemies of our happiness.

To fulfill their doctrine, the Stoics used two basic tools, reason and courage inherent in personal character. Thus they reached or tried to achieve wisdom and happiness. Along the way, they dispensed with all personal goods.

Stoic strategies to be happier

Now, you have to be aware that, if you want to implement any of these stoic strategies to be happier, you will join a philosophical current that has had great thinkers among its ranks. Figures such as Cicero, Seneca or Marco Aurelio stand out.

We have focused on the theories of coach Alberto Blázquez to introduce you to these strategies that the Stoics once used to seek happiness. Take note.

There are no obstacles, only paths

The first strategy that, a priori, may seem complex, is actually very simple. When you encounter an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity to learn, develop, gain strength and use it as a support to continue growing.

So if something happens that you consider an obstacle, avoid the toxic thought spiral. That is, try not to lose the government of your inner world. You may not be able to control what happens outside, but you can control what happens inside you.

Return to balance as a challenge

According to experts, this was a strategy widely used by Marcus Aurelius. What does it consist of? Every time a situation threatens or breaks our balance, one of our most immediate objectives will be to protect or restore it.

How to return to balance? Simple, taking it as a challenge. In this way, our brain benefits from that competitive disposition with ourselves to achieve a goal. For this reason, once achieved, the reward mechanisms are activated, so it may even be that we unconsciously look for it in the future to repeat the reinforcement and the feeling of well-being.

Find a referrer

This stoic strategy not only comes from that line of thought, but also many NLP professionals or experts like Anthony Robbins use it. When we feel destabilized, we have to look for a reference and try to imitate it.

That is, let’s say that we have deviated and we are not well. At that moment, we can think: What would this person I admire do in this situation? Or also: What would the best version of me do now ?

Once we have launched this line of thought, the rest is simple. You just have to start taking actions in that direction to channel reality towards that desired version that takes us to the state of happiness we want.

So were the Stoics. People of great wisdom focused on always looking for the best version of themselves to be happy and find balance. If you feel that your life is destabilizing, you can try these stoic strategies to be happier and redirect the situation. As you can see, it will always be in your hand. You just have to give your best, the rest will come little by little.