A Short Stoic Exercise To Help Ease Your Worries

Simple steps to get back to focusing on what is within your control

The following is a short exercise you can use to help apply the powerful Stoic concept “the dichotomy of control” to specific worries you are facing.

The exercise is a progression through a series of simple steps that should help you to start thinking differently about the things that are occupying your mind.

It draws on the most prominent teaching of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus as well as borrowing some useful techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

The exercise is easy-to-follow, can be returned to as necessary, and begins with one straightforward question.

Question: Are you worried about something right now?

No: May this continue to be the case, Fate permitting. Enjoy your tranquility. 🙂

Yes: Go to (1) 👇

(1) Are you familiar with the dichotomy of control?

No: Go to (2)

Yes: Go to (3)

(2) The dichotomy of control is the Stoic formula for separating what isn’t within our control from what is.