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No one relishes the idea of breaking the glass on their “In Case of Emergency” stash, whether it’s a physical box or a metaphorical array of coping mechanisms. And let’s be honest, no one is particularly keen on utilising Stoicism, not the kind attributed to Marcus Aurelius, who had to navigate the tough waters of plagues, wars, coups, and all sorts of tragedies.

Yet, if we stop and think about it for a moment, what was that plan put in place for if not for a moment like this? Why did we put aside the time for emergency equipment and planning, if those resources wouldn’t see the light of day in a time of need? And isn’t that the very essence of why we explore Stoicism, this age old philosophy designed specifically to bolster us during the toughest of times?

Remember Epictetus? He pointed out that the very heart of Stoicism is to prepare ourselves so that, no matter what challenges we face, we can lean back and assert: “This is what I trained for.”

And guess what? This is that moment.

Right now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and put our training into practice. You may feel the weight of uncertainty pressing down, but you’ve been preparing for this. It’s time to focus on what you can control, to keep your cool amidst the chaos, to do the right thing, to be brave, and most importantly, to lead.

Because if not now, when?

The Comfort of Control

When things go sideways, it’s easy to feel like you’re being swept away in a tidal wave of chaos. Stress levels spike, panic sets in, and the world feels like it’s spinning out of control. At these times, it’s essential to take a step back and remember the Stoic principle of focusing on what’s within your control.

Sure, there are a million factors outside your realm of influence, news headlines, societal trends, other people’s decisions, but your thoughts, reactions, and actions remain firmly under your control. Take a moment to breathe, centre yourself, and sift through the noise. What can you do today that will lead to a positive outcome, however small that may be?

Maybe it’s reaching out to someone who might be feeling isolated. Perhaps it’s taking the opportunity to educate yourself about the situation at hand, or simply showing kindness to someone else. These actions, no matter how small, ripple out into the world and create a positive force through your presence.

Facing Fear Head On

Fear is something that we all face, oftentimes more daunting than the actual challenge we’re up against. When faced with adversity, it can be all too easy to succumb to fears, fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of being criticised. Whatever it is, as any Stoic would remind us, we can’t let fear rule our actions.

In fact, many Stoics believed that fear is simply a misinterpretation of reality. It’s an exaggerated narrative we create in our minds, feeding into the “what ifs” of life instead of recognising and embracing the “what is.” Therefore, your task is to distinguish between what you’re genuinely fearful of and what’s just smoke and mirrors.

How do we tackle our fears then? Start by confronting them. Ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen? More often than not, the answer is less catastrophic than we imagine. Face it. Acknowledge it. Once you can name and understand your fear, it loses its grip on you. Teach yourself to move forward in spite of it instead of letting it hold you back.

Find that brass ring of courage within you that Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca talked about. Remember their words: “The best revenge is not to be like your enemy.” Similarly, the best response to fear is not to let it paralyse you, but to lead a life of intention and purpose despite it.

The Art of Acceptance

One of the cornerstones of Stoicism is acceptance. This doesn’t mean you should passively resign yourself to whatever life throws your way. Rather, it’s about recognising what is and isn’t in your control, and adjusting your attitude accordingly.

Think about it: Resistance to the things we cannot change causes unnecessary mental anguish. By accepting the current moment for what it is, flaws and all, you open yourself up to the possibility of finding solutions to current challenges.

Acceptance is empowering. It gives you the freedom to direct your energy towards things that you can change, your thoughts, your approach, your emotional responses, rather than squandering it on objections to the moment as it stands.

For instance, when tackling a challenging work scenario, instead of spiraling into frustration about circumstances beyond your control, focus on your response. How can you adapt your work style to make the best of the situation? What skills can you draw upon? Reflecting on these questions can spark creativity and innovation even in adversity.

Lead by Example

While it’s one thing to practice Stoicism for yourself, it’s another to embody those values as a leader. In times of crisis, people often look to those around them for guidance, direction, and reassurance. This is your opportunity to shine.

Leading with Stoical principles means expressing calmness when others are surprised, staying resolute when voices are raised, and promoting empathy when feelings run high. Your ability to remain steadfast can inspire others to cultivate similar attitudes.

Show up for those around you by communicating openly. Share what you’re feeling, letting those you lead know that it’s acceptable to feel unsure or anxious at times. But also be the grounded presence that reminds them, through your actions and words, of the path forward. Lead with courage, transparency, and fortitude.

Moreover, encourage those around you to find their own Stoic practices. Whether through mindfulness techniques, journaling reflective thoughts, or fostering a support system, everyone can take small steps to cultivate resilience.

Practicing Gratitude

Stoics emphasise the importance of gratitude, which can serve as an antidote to the negativity we encounter in challenging situations. Expressing gratitude, even for the smallest of things, can reshape your outlook and help you stay positive.

Consider keeping a gratitude journal, where you write down three things you’re grateful for each day. This practice helps shift your focus from fear and frustration to appreciation and acknowledgment of what’s good.

You may find comfort in acknowledging the resilience of friends, the beauty of nature, or even the lessons learned in tough times. These reflections can cultivate a sense of peace that enhances your emotional well being during adversity.

When you share gratitude with others, whether it’s colleagues, friends, or family, you also weave a fabric of connection and positivity around you that can uplift both yourself and those around you.

The Power of Reflection

In the spirit of Stoicism, take time to reflect on your experiences. Ancient Stoics believed in the power of reflection, seeing it as vital to understanding ourselves and how we respond to life’s challenges.

After navigating a tough moment or a crisis, take time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how you felt. Did you stick to your principles? Did you maintain your composure? What could you do differently next time?

This practice isn’t about beating yourself up; it’s about growth and learning. Every challenge faced is a teachable moment, and by engaging in self reflection, you can continuously evolve and improve.

Final Thoughts: Seizing the Moment

As we come to the end of our exploration of Stoicism and the power it can harness during adversity, keep this in mind: the real test often lies in the spaces between means and ends, in our reactions, and in our ability to stay grounded amidst external chaos.

Now is the time to put those contingency plans into action, to reach into the bag of Stoic strategies, and to embrace the moment head on. When uncertainty looms, remember that there’s a well of strength within you that’s been cultivated, whether through past experiences or intentional practice.

When faced with adversity, none of us are truly alone. We all share the human experience, the joys, the heartaches, the learning moments. So take a breath, pull on the armour of your Stoic training, and choose to be brave. No one else can lead your narrative but you, and there’s no better time to take charge than in times of uncertainty.

Because if you’re not going to do it now, when will you? Embrace this moment.