12 Ways Stoics Build Mental Strength And Resilience

Nobody is born with a steel backbone. We have to forge that ourselves.

We craft our spiritual strength through physical exercise, and our physical hardiness through mental practice (mens sana in corpore sano—sound mind in a strong body).

This approach goes back to the ancient philosophers. Every bit of the philosophy they developed was intended to reshape, prepare, and fortify them for the challenges to come. Many saw themselves as mental athletes—after all, the brain is a muscle like any other active tissue. It can be built up and toned through the right exercises. Over time, their muscle memory grew to the point that they could intuitively respond to every situation. Especially obstacles.

In this video Ryan Holiday outlines 12 ways that Stoics can build a strong mind and a strong body.

#Stoicism​ #DailyStoic​ #RyanHoliday​

[franciscogallegos]

One of my things. . . .Don't tell people your good ideas because they will either tell you it's a bad idea and make you second guess yourself or they will tell you it's a great idea and you will get that praise without doing any work. Both of these things will stop you from acting out your goal

[jonfibonacci]

1. Focus on what you control
1. (2.*) Ask these questions every day: Is this in my control? Is this essential? What is the worst case scenario (premeditatio malorum)?
3. Persist and Resist
4. Be willing to look foolish
5. Focus on choices
6. Control how you respond
7. Cultivate freedom
8. Seek Discomfort
9. Think about the cost
10. Run your own race
11. Put it all to the test
12. Celebrate internal wins

Great video, thanks Ryan!

[kmarshirley]

Just found out my partner of 3 years was cheating on me with my best friend of 4 years. Been turning to your videos and others to help get through it. I don't think you can plan for anything in life. I used to think I could prepare for any scenario, but some things you just don't ever expect to happen. I never thought the two people who I thought cared and loved me could easily betray me like it was nothing. I want to pour the hurt and betrayal energy into something positive rather than self hatred.

[apt.]

The obstacle is the way. I listen to your content daily, even relistening episodes when i have the need. Ever since i started listening i started gathering the tools and awareness to deal with life. Love you brother, thank you for the work you do for the community.

[hrishikeshbhattacharya]

Whenever time gets tough, philosophy is the key and for that, I am thankful to you for introducing me to such a thing of beauty.

[triciapratt]

I really appreciate your videos. It's a mainstay of my daily routine. I'm a homeschool mom of 6 and I've been sharing your lessons to my kids, other homeschool kids, friends and family. I'm currently using your videos to teach an intro to the stoics to other homeschool teens. Making a difference every day. Thank you Ryan.

[giselle]

Hey Ryan not to be dramatic or anything but I think your videos are gonna save my life

[taroontusi]

I bumped into Stoicism while browsing the net and also found this Daily Stoic YouTube channel whilst just browsing and watching Thanks to the universe and all the powers that led to it.... Enjoying the lifestyle

[StoicLegend_Official]

This approach harks back to ancient philosophers. Every facet of the philosophy they crafted was aimed at reshaping, preparing, and strengthening them for forthcoming challenges. Many viewed themselves as mental athletes - after all, the brain is a muscle like any other active tissue. It can be built up and toned through the right exercises. With time, their muscle memory developed to the point where they could intuitively respond to every situation, particularly obstacles.

This describes a natural and adaptable process of personal and mental development. Instead of merely acquiring knowledge, they focused on developing critical thinking skills and acuity. They valued the cultivation and expansion of their own abilities, making them resilient and ready to face any challenge. This serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of investing in self-development and cognitive abilities, not just the accumulation of knowledge.

[urbanfrog]

I really like the fact that this channel has an actual real person doing it. I have looked at quite a number of Stoic channels, and most seem to just be AI (you can tell by the weird pronunciations of really basic or common words) spouting out stuff. It is great to have a real person with real experience sharing real thoughts. Having a computer 'teaching us how we should behave' seems a little dystopian to me.

[Geemeel]

A Course In Miracles phrases the whole (rather lengthy) topic as: " It doesn't matter how you got it, what matters how you deal with it from here' .... Amen ✨💝 I Love your work Ryan!!

[aaronwimberleymbamsf]

Love the stockdale paradox example=] Great meditation to start the day[= The Daily Stoic has taught me how to be a better hero of my own narrative. I love the highlight on the need for everyone to have a sense of epistemology.

[georgiafrancis]

Thanks Ryan. This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear today.

[fisherman]

Ryan, this is my new morning motivation when I get up!
Thank-you!

[rjirving]

Phew - I think this was even more powerful than any of your other videos Ryan (and I have watched them all). I think points 11 and 12 absolutely hit the nail on the head for me. Thanks ever so much - you make a big impact on my life.

[SikOfBS]

Thank you, Ryan. I didn't realize how much I needed this this morning!

[mrcjc]

Train hard, fight easy is an old army proverb.

[StephenK]

I never ever heard of Stoicism untill about two months ago. Just as meany thing in my life in opening doors, some of which have leed me down some deep rabbit holes, I find myself wishing i had opened this door long ago.

[NJT]

I guess it's time to buy Ryan Holidays book catalog. I was introduced to Stoic philosophy and didn't even know it. Inread the Enchyridion in a lock down rehab facility about 8 years ago. I was jailed for around 11 months in total that year 6 of those months were in that rehab facility. A great man handed me the Enchyridion. I read and re read that book and had no clue what stoicism was. Found Ryan's content a couoke years back and recently I added stoic philosophy as part of my faith/spiritual practices. This works.

[tractorpoodle]

I have been following you for over 10 years. I even have a personal email from you that you sent back in 2013.