How to go from over-thinker to stoic in just a few simple steps

If you're anything like me, your mind always goes a mile a minute. You're constantly thinking about everything and everyone in your life, which can be exhausting. But what if I told you there's a way to quiet your mind and live a more peaceful life? Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that teaches us to deal with difficult situations by remaining calm and rational. In other words, stoics don't allow their emotions to control them. And while it may not be easy to adopt this mindset, it can be incredibly beneficial. Here's how you can go from an overthinker to a stoic.

First, you need to understand the Stoic philosophy. The Stoics believed our actions should be based on reason, not emotion. This doesn't mean that we shouldn't feel emotions, but rather that we should control them and not let them control us. So, for example, a stoic would try to see the situation objectively and not let their emotions cloud their judgment if something terrible happens. This can be difficult, but it's important to remember that our feelings are often irrational and can lead us astray.

Second, you need to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. This allows you to step back from your overactive mind and see things for what they are. It takes practice, but it's worth it.

Finally, it would help if you accepted that some things are out of your control. One of the most challenging things for overthinkers is admitting that we can't control everything. But the truth is, there are many things in life that we can't control.

It takes what it takes

All of us want to achieve great things in life. We want to be successful, happy, and fulfilled. But sometimes, it seems like the deck is stacked against us. We face challenges and setbacks, and staying positive and keeping going can be difficult. That's where "It Takes What It Takes" comes in.

Written by world-renowned mental conditioning coach Trevor Moawad, this book provides readers with the tools they need to overcome negativity and achieve any goal. Battle-tested strategies will help you manage difficult situations, find your inner strength, and push yourself to new levels of success.

Whether you're an athlete, a business leader, or military personnel, this book will show you how to achieve peak performance and reach your full potential. So if you're looking for inspiration, guidance, and practical tools to help you achieve your dreams, look no further than It Takes What It Takes.

The power of positive thinking

One of the most powerful tools in the book is the power of positive thinking. In any difficult situation, it's easy to focus on the negative—the things that went wrong, the things that could have been better. But as Trevor points out, what we focus on expands. So if we focus on the negative, we'll see more negativity. But, on the other hand, if we focus on the positive—on what went right, on what we're grateful for—we'll open ourselves up to more positive experiences and opportunities. This simple but potent tool can help you overcome any challenge you face.

Find your why

Another essential concept in the book is finding your "why." Whenever you're feeling lost or frustrated, it's helpful to remind yourself of your ultimate goal—why you're doing what you're doing. For example, if you're training for a marathon, it's not just about finishing the race; it's about challenging yourself and pushing your limits when you remember why staying motivated and on track will be easier, even when things get tough.

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and lose sight of our goals. That's where It Takes What It Takes comes in. This book provides readers with the tools they need to overcome negativity and achieve goals.

Battle-tested strategies will help you manage difficult situations, find your inner strength, and push yourself to new levels of success. So if you're looking for inspiration and practical advice on how to reach your full potential, pick up a copy of It Takes What It Takes today. You won't regret it.

I've been playing competitive golf for over 20 years, and it's taught me to focus only on the things I can control. Because if I don't, I'll get frustrated, and it will cost me shots.

For example, I played in a tournament at my home course a few weeks ago. The first hole is a par 5, and I hit my drive down the middle of the fairway. But then my second shot went into the rough. So now, instead of focusing on getting up and down for birdie, I started worrying about how far the ball was from the green and whether or not I could get it up and down. As a result, I made a bogey on that hole.

If you're anything like me, you know that feeling all too well: when you start worrying about things beyond your control, it just makes everything worse. So the next time you find yourself in a situation like that, remember these two words: focus on what you can control.

The obstacle is the way

We all face obstacles in life. Whether it's a global pandemic, a difficult work situation, or simply a bad day, we all have to find a way to overcome the challenges life throws our way. Ryan Holiday's book The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph offers readers a framework for doing just that.

The philosophy of stoicism

The obstacle Is the philosophy of stoicism that inspires the way. Stoicism is the philosophy that the best way to deal with difficult situations is to remain calm and rational. Of course, this isn't always easy, but approaching obstacles is helpful. As Holiday writes in the book, "We cannot control the obstacles we face. What we can control is how we react to them."

When we can keep our emotions in check and approach obstacles with logic and reason, we're more likely to find solutions rather than get bogged down by problems. Holiday explains, "If we are free from error in our judgments and daily actions… then circumstances can never harm us, because no circumstance can arise except insofar as our reasonable judgment has already incorporated it."

In other words, if we're able to stay level-headed, we'll be better equipped to handle whatever challenges come our way.

How to turn obstacles into opportunities

So how do we put this philosophy into practice? Holiday offers three fundamental principles:

1. perceive correctly

2. act accordingly

3. adapt with perseverance

In short, this means that we need to be aware of the situation we're facing (perceive it correctly), respond in the best way possible (act accordingly), and keep going even when things are tough (adapt with perseverance).

For example, let's say you're facing a work deadline that seems impossible. Applying Holiday's principles would mean first taking a step back to assess the situation (perceived correctly). Then, once you clearly understand what you're up against, you can start planning your response (act accordingly). This might involve breaking the project into smaller tasks, reaching out to colleagues for help, or rearranging your schedule.

Finally, it's important to remember that obstacles are inevitable—what matters is how you deal with them (adapt with perseverance). So even if your first attempt at solving the problem doesn't work out, don't give up—keep trying until you find a solution that does.

While we can't always control the obstacles we face, we can control how we react to them. Ryan Holiday's book The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph offers readers a framework for turning trials into triumphs inspired by the philosophy of stoicism. By remaining calm and rational in adversity, we can better equip ourselves to find solutions and turn challenges into opportunities.

Now that you know how to turn obstacles into opportunities, it's time to put this philosophy into practice. The next time you face a difficult situation, remember these three principles: perceive correctly, act accordingly, and adapt with perseverance. With these guidelines in mind, you'll be better equipped to handle whatever challenges come your way. So don't let anything stop you from achieving your goals—keep moving forward and turning trials into triumphs!