00:00Life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear the future.
00:07This timeless wisdom from the ancient philosophy of Stoicism guides us on how to live a virtuous and happy life amidst the chaos and uncertainties of the world.
00:18Stoicism is not just a collection of abstract ideas, but a practical way of living that can help us overcome challenges, cope with stress, and achieve our goals.
00:28But how can we apply Stoicism to our daily lives?
00:33One effective method is by developing nightly habits that help us reflect on our actions, learn from our mistakes, and prepare for the next day.
00:42In this comprehensive guide, I will share seven simple yet powerful nightly habits of a Stoic that will make you more resilient, calm, and focused.
00:51Before we dive into these habits, I encourage you to stay with me till the end of this discussion, as resilience and focus are essential traits for living a Stoic life.
01:03Also, consider subscribing to our platform and hitting the notification bell so you don't miss any of our insightful content.
01:11Habit 1. Review Your Day
01:13Every night before you close your eyes, you have a golden opportunity to become a better version of yourself.
01:21This is the time to look back at your day.
01:24Evaluate how you have lived, acted, and grown.
01:28This reflective practice is not about harsh self-judgment or dwelling on failures, but about learning from experiences and celebrating successes.
01:37Seneca, one of the greatest Stoic philosophers, advocated for this habit.
01:44He wrote,
01:44When the light has been removed and my wife has fallen silent, aware of this habit that's now mine,
01:51I examine my entire day and go back over what I've done and said, hiding nothing from myself, passing nothing by.
02:00By reviewing his day, Seneca could evaluate his actions and thoughts,
02:05Seeing how well he had adhered to the Stoic principles of wisdom, justice, courage, and self-control,
02:12he also cultivated gratitude for the positive aspects of his day
02:16and practiced forgiveness for himself and others regarding the negative ones.
02:21This practice improved his character, happiness, and impact on the world.
02:27You can adopt this habit by asking yourself simple yet profound questions every night.
02:32What did I do well today?
02:34What did I do poorly today?
02:37What did I learn today?
02:39How can I improve tomorrow?
02:41These questions will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses,
02:45achievements and mistakes, lessons and opportunities.
02:49They will enhance your self-awareness and alignment with your values,
02:53making you more resilient, calm, and focused.
02:56Don't just ask these questions, write them down.
03:01Documenting your reflections will make them more concrete, memorable, and actionable.
03:07This practice will also create a record of your progress, challenges, and growth.
03:12You can use a journal, notebook, or app for this purpose.
03:17Consistency is key.
03:19By writing down your answers every night,
03:21you will form a powerful habit that can transform your life and make you more Stoic.
03:27Habit 2. Meditate on your mortality
03:30Every night before you drift into sleep,
03:34you have a rare opportunity to awaken your soul
03:36and ignite your passion by facing the ultimate reality of life,
03:41death.
03:41This habit may sound daunting, but it is actually liberating.
03:47The ancient Stoics embraced this practice knowing that death is inevitable and unpredictable.
03:52They believed we should not fear or avoid it, but face it with courage and dignity.
03:58Moreover, they saw death as a source of motivation and inspiration,
04:03reminding us that our time is limited and precious.
04:05One effective way to meditate on your mortality is by practicing Memento Mori,
04:13which means, remember that you will die.
04:16You can do this by imagining that tonight is your last night on earth
04:20and asking yourself powerful questions.
04:23How would I feel about my life if I knew I was going to die tomorrow?
04:28What would I regret not doing or saying?
04:31What would I be proud of or grateful for?
04:34These questions help put things into perspective,
04:38prioritize what matters most,
04:40and live each day as if it were your last.
04:43They encourage you to appreciate what you have,
04:46pursue what you desire,
04:48express your love, and fulfill your purpose.
04:51Don't just ask these questions.
04:52Feel them deeply.
04:54Let the emotions that arise,
04:56sadness, joy, fear, gratitude,
04:59sink into your heart, gut, and bones
05:01By experiencing these emotions every night,
05:04you will form a powerful habit that can transform your life.
05:08Meditate on your mortality and make every day count.
05:14Habit 3.
05:16Read Stoic Literature
05:18Before entering the realm of dreams,
05:21you have the chance to read Stoic literature
05:23and learn from the wisdom of the ancient Stoics
05:26who have shaped human history.
05:27This habit is not only educational,
05:30but also inspirational.
05:33It was followed by influential figures
05:35like Marcus Aurelius and Nelson Mandela,
05:37who found guidance and solace in Stoic writings.
05:42Consider reading some of the best Stoic literature ever written,
05:45such as
05:46Meditations by Marcus Aurelius,
05:49a personal diary of the Roman emperor and philosopher,
05:52reflecting on life,
05:54death,
05:55duty,
05:55and virtue.
05:57Letters from a Stoic by Seneca
05:59A collection of letters offering advice on topics like friendship,
06:04anger,
06:05happiness,
06:05and grief.
06:06You don't have to read a lot,
06:09just a few pages or paragraphs that resonate with you.
06:12You can also use Stoic quotes as affirmations or mantras.
06:17By incorporating this habit,
06:19you will enrich your mind with valuable insights,
06:22reinforce your Stoic beliefs,
06:24and inspire yourself to act according to them.
06:28Reading Stoic literature helps you learn from the experiences and examples of the ancient Stoics,
06:34who faced many challenges and hardships yet remained calm and composed.
06:39Apply their lessons and strategies to your life to overcome obstacles and difficulties.
06:45This habit will make you more resilient, calm, and focused.
06:50But don't just read these books.
06:52Live them.
06:54Embody their teachings,
06:55practice their exercises,
06:57and follow their guidelines.
06:58By living these books every night,
07:01you will create a powerful habit that will transform your life.
07:06Habit 4
07:07Detach from external things
07:09To live a Stoic life,
07:12you must detach from external things.
07:14This means not letting your joy or sorrow depend on factors beyond your control,
07:19such as wealth, fame, honor, or other people's judgments.
07:24The Stoics taught that the only thing we can master is our own mind and will.
07:31Everything else is subject to fate and fortune.
07:34They also believed that external things are not inherently good or evil,
07:38but become so based on how we view and respond to them.
07:42One technique to practice this detachment is negative visualization,
07:48which involves envisioning the worst-case scenario.
07:51Imagine losing or never having the things you value or desire,
07:55and ask yourself,
07:56How would I endure if this happened?
07:59How would I find joy without this?
08:02How would I grow from this experience?
08:05By practicing negative visualization,
08:07you can weaken your attachment and fear,
08:09increase your appreciation and satisfaction,
08:13and prepare yourself for any possible outcome.
08:17Rise above the world by not being enslaved by it.
08:20Define yourself rather than letting the world define you,
08:24and create your own happiness instead of relying on external factors.
08:29Habit 5
08:30Focus on your purpose
08:32Focusing on your purpose is not a trivial matter,
08:36but a vital and noble one.
08:38You have a destiny to fulfill,
08:40a mission to accomplish,
08:42and a legacy to leave behind.
08:44You possess a spark of divinity within you,
08:47and you must fan it into a flame that illuminates the world.
08:51The Stoics understood that we are not here by chance,
08:54but by providence.
08:56We are part of a cosmic order and have a duty to uphold it.
09:00We are active participants in life,
09:02interconnected beings,
09:03and creative contributors.
09:05To focus on your purpose,
09:08practice prososh or attention.
09:11This involves being mindful and aware of your thoughts,
09:14words, and deeds.
09:16Constantly ask yourself,
09:17what is my purpose in life?
09:19What is the most excellent way to pursue it?
09:23What is the most urgent thing to do right now?
09:25By doing this,
09:28you will sharpen your vision,
09:30align your actions,
09:31and prioritize your tasks.
09:34You will not waste time on distractions,
09:36but invest it in essentials.
09:39You will move purposefully rather than drifting aimlessly.
09:45Habit 6
09:46Practice Self-Discipline
09:48You have the power to shape your destiny,
09:51overcome any obstacle,
09:53and achieve any goal.
09:55The ancient Stoics knew and practiced this truth.
09:58They believed that the key to living a good life is self-discipline,
10:02the ability to control your impulses and emotions,
10:06and act according to reason and virtue.
10:09Self-discipline involves choosing what is right over what is easy,
10:13what is noble over what is base,
10:15and what is lasting over what is fleeting.
10:17It requires avoiding excesses and vices
10:20and cultivating moderation and virtues.
10:23Challenge yourself daily to do something difficult or uncomfortable,
10:27such as waking up early,
10:29exercising,
10:30eating healthily,
10:32or helping others.
10:34By practicing self-discipline,
10:36you will strengthen your willpower,
10:38overcome weaknesses,
10:40and improve your skills.
10:41You will face any situation with courage, wisdom, and calmness,
10:45make this your nightly habit and your way of life.
10:48It will transform you into the master of your destiny.
10:54Habit 7. Relax and sleep.
10:57Well, the final habit of a Stoic is simple yet crucial.
11:01Relax and sleep well.
11:02Relaxation and sleep are not luxuries, but necessities,
11:07not distractions, but investments,
11:09not indulgences, but rewards.
11:12The Stoics understood that these are essential for recharging,
11:16restoring balance, and renewing strength.
11:18Practice ataraxia or tranquility by breathing deeply and slowly,
11:22letting go of tension or stress,
11:25stretching your body,
11:26meditating on your purpose or values,
11:29and praying to your higher power or inner wisdom.
11:32By doing this, you will relax your mind and body,
11:35enabling you to sleep soundly.
11:38When you wake up,
11:40you will be ready to face the day with confidence,
11:42courage, and clarity.
11:45Relaxation and sleep
11:46are the final touches to your Stoic lifestyle.
11:49They are vital for your well-being and success.
11:54Don't neglect,
11:55underestimate,
11:56or sacrifice them.
11:58Relax and sleep well.
12:00You deserve it.
12:01These seven nightly habits of a Stoic
12:04will make you more resilient,
12:05calm, and focused.
12:07Practice them consistently
12:08to live a virtuous and happy life
12:10in a chaotic and uncertain world.
12:13But don't just take my word for it.
12:16Try them for yourself
12:17and observe the results.
12:19If you found this guide helpful,
12:22share it with your friends
12:23and leave a comment saying,
12:25I am resilient to show your commitment.
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12:29and wish to learn more about living like the Stoics,
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12:36for more valuable content.
12:39Thank you for engaging with this guide.
12:41Remember,
12:42you have the power to change your life.
12:45See you in the next discussion.
12:47Be Stoic.
12:52Be Stoic.
12:52Bye.
12:53Bye.
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