As human beings, fear is an often-constant companion in life. Whether it’s fear of failure, fear of the unknown, or fear of loss, everyone experiences it at some point. Marcus Aurelius once said, “You will meet that with the same weapons you’ve met all your other problems.” This quote reminds us that we can overcome our fears and that the same skills and qualities that have helped us in the past can help us face any challenge that comes our way.
The Stoics had many tools for dealing with fear and anxiety. One of their fundamental teachings was to “always be training.” This meant that we should constantly learn something new, whether physical, mental, or emotional training. By continuously challenging ourselves and stepping outside our comfort zones, we develop resilience that can help us face any challenge with confidence and grace.
For many, the pandemic was a daunting challenge that brought fear, uncertainty, and disruption. However, those trained to be resilient and adaptable were better equipped to handle the situation with a sense of calm and preparedness. They had the skills and knowledge to take action and make decisions from a place of confidence rather than fear. This principle was exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world was disown.
Another Stoic practice that helps us navigate our fears is “memento mori.” This practice involves meditating on our mortality. Acknowledging the finite nature of our lives reminds us to focus on the essential things. We realize that our time on this earth is too precious to waste on things that don’t matter. Instead, we should focus on what brings us joy and fulfillment.
This practice is not meant to be morbid or pessimistic but rather a reminder to live life fully. As the Stoics remind us, every moment is an opportunity to be fully present and engage with life. We should not let our fears keep us from pursuing our dreams and living the life we desire.
Lastly, the Stoics encourage us to recognize our power and agency. While many things are outside our control, we still have the power to control our emotions, thoughts, and actions. This is exemplified in the story of James Stockdale, a prisoner of war in Vietnam who maintained his sense of agency and inner peace despite unimaginable circumstances.
By recognizing our power, we can focus on the things we can control and let go of what we can’t. In this way, we can take action from a place of empowerment rather than fear or helplessness. We can be proactive and face our fears head-on.
In conclusion, the Stoic teachings on fear and anxiety give us a robust framework for navigating life’s challenges. We can face any challenge with confidence and grace by training ourselves to be resilient, meditating on our mortality, and recognizing our power. So the next time fear creeps into your life, remember the words of Marcus Aurelius: “You will meet that with the same weapons you’ve met all your other problems.” With the right tools, we can overcome anything.
*****
*****
Summary of Transcript:
In this video, author Ryan Holiday discusses three Stoic exercises for facing fear and adversity. The first is to remember that you have faced fear and overcome it with the same tools you possess. The second is to constantly be training and preparing yourself for challenges that may arise. The third is to meditate on the concept of memento mori, that is, to remember that you will die and to focus on making the most of your time. By applying these exercises, you can face adversity with courage and use it as an opportunity for growth.
*****
Summary of Description:
The content promotes Lewis Howes’ new book, The Greatness Mindset, and offers a free newsletter for inspiration from guests and tips on improving one’s life. Podcast episodes can also be downloaded a week early, and Lewis can be followed on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Tiktok.
*****
Source Description
https://lewishowes.com/gmyo – Get my NEW book, The Greatness Mindset, today!
https://lewishowes.com/greatnessdelivered – Sign up for my FREE newsletter & get inspiration from our world-class guests; learn how to improve your life!
Download podcast episodes a week early here! – http://www.lewishowes.com/pod
You can follow Lewis at:
Website: http://lewishowes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lewishowes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LewisHowes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewishowes/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lewis
