I Desperately Want You to Frame This on Your Living Room Wall
Your mental health will thank you for this gesture!
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If you’ve read Hellenistic philosophy, you probably know that the Stoics popularized the idea that life is complicated.
It’s not just about making the right choices and then everything will work out for you.
Life is about how you react to the hand you’re dealt, and it will always be full of challenges.
That’s why the Stoics created a set of rules to guide how to live.
These guidelines were based on self-control, reasoning, and living in harmony with others.
The thinking is that if you can stick to these principles, you’ll be able to live a good life no matter what your circumstances are.
They’re like math equations — if you know the formula, you can solve any problem.
From Marcus Aurelius to Ryan Holiday, the Stoics wrote extensively on these topics.
But if you’re short on time, here are 31 (very) short rules that will help you live a better life, according to the Stoics.
I highly recommend framing one or all of these rules as a reminder to keep you on track.
Reflect on your death day regularly. It will help you remain light by letting go of your mental burdens.
Teach yourself how to think, not what to think. Thought is the seed of every action.
When you make a decision, ask yourself how it will affect your future self. Will it still be important, then?
You have the power to change only yourself. Self-change automatically brings a change in others.
To experience self-love and love from others, give up anger. It dries love from a person.
Don’t expect life to be fair. Your definition of fair is limited to the knowledge of this birth.
Practice self-discipline in all areas of your life. Don’t give up because everyone says it’s tough.
What’s in your way is your way. Don’t hate obstacles. They make you strong on your journey to fulfillment.
Don’t give up in difficult times. Nothing stays forever
Think before you speak. Make sure your words are sweet, helpful, and informative.
Don’t correct someone with a judgemental eye. It’ll only make them defensive and damage your relationship.
Be mindful of your emotions. Acknowledge them, but don’t let them control you.
Don’t get attached to material possessions. They’re just things — they can’t give you lasting happiness.
Don’t compare yourself to others. You are on your path, so focus on your journey.
You’re not your success or failure. It’s external to you. Stay poised in both victory and defeat.
Don’t hold grudges. Regrets make death painful. Forgiveness will help you move on and live a more peaceful life.
Seek out wisdom and understanding from unfavorable events. It’s the key to making good decisions and living a fulfilling life.
Being scared of making mistakes = Being scared of living. There’s no such thing as a mistake. It’s a way of learning how to live.
Respect people, even if you don’t agree with them. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. You don’t have to accept them.
Don’t strive for perfection. It’s impossible to achieve and will only lead to frustration.
Be humble. There’s no need to boast or brag — just let your actions speak for themselves.
Live in the moment. Don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future — enjoy the present moment.
Be kind to others, even if they’re not kind to you. It’s always better to lead with compassion.
Don’t take things personally. Not everything is about you, so don’t take offense, even if it’s intended.
Avoid negative people. They will only bring you down and make you feel bad about yourself.
Don’t be afraid to say “no.” You don’t have to please everyone, so stand up for yourself when necessary.
Be grateful for what you have. Appreciating the good in your life will make the bad seem less significant.
Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter. Focus your energy on what’s important to you and let go of the rest.
Don’t be afraid to be different. You don’t have to conform to societal norms — be true to yourself.
Be accepting of the change. It’s inevitable, so embrace it and go with the flow.
Remember that your end is near. This will help you appreciate life more and live in the moment.
Wisdom is like wine — it gets better with age.
Even if you’re not a Stoic follower, these simple rules can help you lead a better life. By following these guidelines, you can live a more peaceful, fulfilling, and satisfying life.
Which rule resonates with you the most? What other tips do you have for living a good life?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
👉 If this post resonates with you, forward it on to your buddies!
And please, don't forget to hit that ❤️ button.
If you’re NOT using the app, respond with the word “Awesome.”
It helps others find it on Substack.
Thanks for the support! 🙌