Can Stoic Philosophy Simplify Your Life?

Updated – January 23, 2025

What if the key to living with clarity, focus, and intention was already within your reach?

I have been a follower of the Daily Stoic for a while. But at the start of this year, I committed to a new stoic philosophy practice: reading The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday every day during 2025. It’s a book I’ve had on my shelf for a while, waiting for the “right” moment to dive in. As 2025 rolled in, I decided this will be the year I take this practice to the next level.

This isn’t just another self-help book — these stoic philosophy teachings are a year-long journey of reflection and growth, filled with 366 meditations rooted in stoic philosophy. And while I wouldn’t call myself spiritual, stoicism resonates deeply with me because of its practicality. It’s a tool for simplifying life, taking responsibility, and focusing on what we can control.

In this post, I’ll share the key lessons I’ve learned so far, why stoicism is so effective, and how it can help you find clarity and calm in your own life.

Why I Chose to Start The Daily Stoic

For years, I’ve been listening to Ryan Holiday’s podcasts and exploring his ideas on stoicism. When I discovered The Daily Stoic, I knew it was something I wanted to commit to—not just as a casual read but as part of my daily routine.

What I love about this book is how manageable it feels. Each day is a short meditation—just a few paragraphs—designed to guide you through the year with wisdom and intention. It’s not about overhauling your life in one go. Instead, it’s about showing up daily, reflecting on small lessons, and applying them over time.

Now, the book sits on my desk as a constant reminder to pause, reflect, and focus on what matters.

I find this way of thinking highly beneficial when doing my annual planning.

The Fundamentals of Stoic Philosophy

At its core, stoicism is about mastering the things we can control and letting go of the things we can’t. So far, The Daily Stoic has reinforced three key principles:

  1. Control Over Perception: We can’t always control what happens, but we can control how we see it.
  2. Control Over Action: While external events may be out of our hands, our choices and responses are always within our power.
  3. Control Over the Mind: This one struck me the most—even our own bodies aren’t fully in our control. But our mindset? That’s entirely up to us.

One passage that stood out reads:
“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

It’s such a simple concept, yet it challenges us to rethink where we place our energy and focus.

How Stoicism Can Simplify Your Life

Many of us spend our days overwhelmed by what we can’t control—work pressures, others’ opinions, or the uncertainty of the future. Stoicism offers a way out by shifting our attention to what’s within our influence.

As a life coach, I see this principle play out all the time. Clients come to me feeling stuck, anxious, or unsure of their next steps. Often, it’s because they’re focused on external factors they can’t change instead of the internal actions they can take.

By embracing stoic ideas, you can gain clarity on what truly matters:

  • Letting go of the noise.
  • Focusing on meaningful actions.
  • Taking responsibility for your choices.

The result? Less stress, more purpose, and a calmer, more focused mind.

Practical Ways to Apply the Daily Stoic Philosophy Every Day

If you’re curious about stoicism, here are three simple ways to start incorporating its principles into your life:

  1. Start Your Day With Intention: Reflect on what’s within your control. What actions can you take today to align with your goals?
  2. Reframe Challenges: When something goes wrong, pause and ask, “What’s in my control here?” Shift your focus from the problem to the solution.
  3. Let Go of the Rest: Write down what’s outside your control and consciously release it. Journaling can help with this practice.

The beauty of stoicism is that it doesn’t require perfection—just a willingness to try.

What is Stoic Philosophy?
What is Stoic Philosophy?

Final Thoughts

The Daily Stoic philosophy has already taught me so much about clarity, control, and responsibility—and I’m only a few weeks in. It’s not just a book; it’s a daily tool for simplifying life and staying grounded in what matters most.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, I encourage you to explore stoicism. It’s a powerful way to gain perspective and take meaningful steps forward.

What’s one thing in your life today that you can let go of—or take control over?

Take the Next Step

What’s one thing in your life today that you can let go of—or take control over?

If this resonates with you and you’re ready to take control of your life, let’s chat. I offer free brainstorming sessions to help you clarify your goals and map out your next steps.

About The Author

Welcome! I’m Paul Heron, a life and mindset coach passionate about helping people live authentically and take bold steps toward their dreams. My mission is to inspire confidence and help you overcome fears and challenges with personalised coaching and actionable strategies. Ready to transform your life and achieve your goals? Let’s connect!

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