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.

Events don’t upset you

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.

Control what you can

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.

Rituals are essential

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.

A practical philosophical school

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?”

You have so much to learn from others

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.

Accepting doesn't mean giving up

There is a lot we can learn from our past wise men and women

People have enormous respect for ancient wisdom. They just don't read it. Funny thing is, we're more likely to live happier lives when we visit the classics section than the self-help aisle. So how do we get the skinny on what one group of brilliant dead guys - The Stoics - had to say?

Accepting doesn't mean giving up

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