Stoicism is about accepting the facts as they are and then deciding what you’re going to do about them. Nobody recommends denial. Accept. And then do something. 

Beliefs about events do. Bad feelings are caused by irrational beliefs, so if you’re feeling negative emotions, focus on the belief you hold about what happens. 

For stoics there is no good or bad, there’s only perception. And you control perception. 

Ignore the rest. We worry about things that we have no control over. But worrying never fixed anything. 

The stoics are saying that if you focus your energy on what you can change, you’re going to be a lot more productive and effective. 

Seneca emphasized that we are free to choose our role models and mentors. This is great for helping you be your best. So next time you face a challenge, think of someone you admire and ask yourself “What would _____ do?” 

The Stoics believe you should start the day with a meditation of what’s to come and then you should end the day reflecting on what has happened and what can be improved.

Stoicism became popular in the Roman Empire. Slaves like Epictetus, rich people like Seneca or emperors like Marcus Aurelius found guidance for life in it.