In today’s fast-paced business environment, adopting the timeless principles of Stoicism tenets can provide much-needed clarity, focus, and resilience. The philosophy of Stoicism, originating from ancient Greece and Rome, offers practical tools that help leaders remain calm under pressure, focus on what they can control, and cultivate inner strength.
Rick Mayo and Matt Helland explored 10 Stoicism tenets from the diaries of Marcus Aurelius, one of the greatest Stoic philosophers, to show how these teachings can improve your business and life.
10 Stoicism Tenets
1. Focus on What You Can Control
The Stoics believed that much of life is beyond our control. This core Stoic principle emphasizes focusing energy on what we can influence, rather than wasting time and emotion on what we cannot. In business, many external factors—such as the economy, market trends, or even political decisions—are outside our control. Rather than getting paralyzed by these, it’s more productive to focus on immediate, actionable tasks, such as improving customer service, optimizing internal processes, or building better relationships with clients. This philosophy encourages decision-makers to direct their attention to things they can improve.
Leaders who focus on controlling their response to challenges—rather than the challenges themselves—are more resilient and effective in their decision-making.
2. You Can’t Learn What You Think You Already Know
A powerful Stoic principle is acknowledging the limits of one’s knowledge. Marcus Aurelius frequently reminded himself of the importance of staying humble and open to learning. This humility is essential for business leaders. No matter how experienced or knowledgeable you are, there’s always something new to learn.
Leaders who embrace lifelong learning not only stay ahead of industry changes, but also foster a culture of curiosity and growth within their organizations. Whether it’s new technology, market trends, or management techniques, staying open to learning allows you to continuously adapt and improve.
3. Be Tolerant With Others and Strict With Yourself
This Stoic guideline encourages leaders to maintain high standards for their own conduct while showing empathy and understanding toward others. In business, this principle is especially relevant when managing teams. Employees come from diverse backgrounds, each with their own experiences and struggles. It’s essential to be patient and supportive, understanding that not everyone will work or think the same way you do.
Holding yourself to a higher standard ensures that you lead by example. By focusing on improving your own performance while remaining empathetic toward the challenges of others, you create a culture of accountability balanced by compassion.
4. Associate Only With People Who Improve You
Surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial in both personal and business life. The Stoics emphasized the importance of building relationships with individuals who challenge and elevate you. In the business world, this means associating with colleagues, mentors, and employees who push you to be better.
At Alloy Personal Training, Rick and Matt stress the importance of core values and hiring people who align with those values. When the right people surround you, they lift your business by providing diverse perspectives, new ideas, and constant motivation.
5. The Greatest Remedy for Anger is Delay
One of the simplest yet most powerful Stoic teachings is that reacting impulsively to anger almost always leads to regret. Whether it’s an employee mistake, a difficult client, or a frustrating business situation, reacting out of anger rarely improves the outcome. Taking a moment to step back, breathe, and process the situation allows for a more thoughtful and effective response.
In business, emotional intelligence is key. The ability to delay emotional reactions and approach problems with a calm, rational mindset can make the difference between resolving an issue and escalating it.
6. Never Be Heard Complaining, Even to Yourself
Complaining is counterproductive. Marcus Aurelius advised against indulging in negative thinking because it creates a downward spiral that prevents growth. In business, persistent negativity can demoralize teams, foster a toxic work environment, and cloud your ability to find solutions. Complaining about issues without proposing solutions wastes time and energy.
A more effective approach is to focus on problem-solving. When faced with a challenge, concentrate on finding actionable steps forward, even if they are small. This not only improves your own mindset but also sets a positive example for your team.
7. Think Progress, Not Perfection
Perfection is often the enemy of progress. Stoicism teaches us to strive for continuous improvement rather than waiting for things to be perfect before taking action. In business, this means launching new projects, products, or strategies, even when they aren’t flawless.
Rick Mayo highlights the importance of “ready, fire, aim,” a concept that prioritizes starting the process and refining it along the way. Waiting for the perfect moment or product often results in missed opportunities. Instead, focusing on progress ensures that you’re always moving forward.
8. The Obstacle is the Way
Obstacles and challenges are inevitable in business, but the Stoics believed that these barriers can be opportunities for growth. As Marcus Aurelius said, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
In business, every challenge can be an opportunity to innovate and improve. Whether it’s market disruptions, internal challenges, or financial setbacks, viewing obstacles as learning experiences fosters resilience and long-term success.
9. Don’t Be Ashamed of Needing Help
A key element of Stoicism is acknowledging when you need help. Too often, leaders feel pressured to appear invulnerable or all-knowing, but this mindset limits growth. In reality, asking for help—whether from mentors, consultants, or even employees—demonstrates strength and self-awareness.
By seeking out advice and learning from others, business leaders can gain new perspectives, identify blind spots, and find better solutions to challenges. This humility fosters growth and builds stronger teams, where collaboration and mutual support are valued.
10. Build a Life You Don’t Need an Escape From
Finally, Stoicism emphasizes the importance of aligning your life with your values so that you find fulfillment in everyday actions. If your work feels like a burden, or if you’re always longing for the weekend, it’s time to reassess your approach.
Building a life—personally and professionally—that you don’t need to escape from means finding joy, aligning your work with your passions, and cultivating balance. As Rick and Matt discuss, those who build meaningful, fulfilling lives are more likely to achieve lasting success.
Stoic philosophy provides invaluable lessons for navigating the modern business world. By focusing on what you can control, fostering humility, embracing obstacles, and seeking continuous improvement, you can build a more resilient, successful business and life. These timeless Stoicism tenets not only apply to leadership, but also offer a roadmap to personal growth and fulfillment.
If you’re looking to integrate Stoicism into your life, consider reading The Daily Stoic or exploring the works of Marcus Aurelius. The wisdom of the Stoics can provide the clarity and strength needed to thrive in both business and life.
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