EP. 18 - Gain Willpower: Unlock the Power of Your Mind and Let Go of Burdens

The Mind Over Stoic Audio Series

NARRATED BY - AVA

Dive into the Mind Over Stoic Podcast to explore how stoicism can supercharge your
willpower! Discover real-life challenges, inspiring success stories, and scientific insights into how ancient wisdom offers modern solutions. Whether you're battling daily temptations or
seeking long-term discipline, this episode is your guide to cultivating resilience and self-control.
Tune in to transform your mindset and master your impulses with stoicism!

VIDEO VERSION AVAILABLE!

YouTube Video - Gain Willpower

In Stoicism, the act of giving something up becomes an exercise in fortitude and
freedom. By focusing on what is within our control, practicing emotional detachment, and
preparing ourselves mentally for the challenges of change, we can strengthen our willpower and
embrace a more stoic way of living.

Stoic Practices Applied:
1. Focus on What You Can Control: Linda realized early on that she couldn't control the
weather, the difficulty of the training sessions, or the responsibilities awaiting her at
home and work. Instead, she focused intensely on her response to these challenges—
maintaining a disciplined training schedule, adjusting her sleep habits, and managing her
nutrition.
2. Premeditatio Malorum: Linda practiced this Stoic exercise regularly. She visualized
potential obstacles, such as injuries or unexpected work crises, and planned her
responses. This not only prepared her mentally for when these did occur but also reduced
her anxiety, knowing she had a plan in place.
3. Objective Judgement: Throughout her training, Linda practiced viewing her progress
and setbacks with objective judgment, a key Stoic principle. She learned to detach from
emotional self-criticism and instead viewed each run and each week of training as data
points to improve upon.

List of Tips:
1. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate stoic mindfulness exercises into your daily routine to
enhance focus and resist distractions.
2. Set Clear Goals: Define what you can control and set realistic goals around these aspects
to foster a sense of achievement and strengthen willpower.
3. Embrace Discomfort: Use stoic teachings to get comfortable with discomfort, which
can help you handle challenging situations without giving in to impulses.
4. Visualize Outcomes: Regularly practice negative visualization to prepare mentally for
potential challenges and reinforce your resilience.
5. Limit Choices: Simplify your life by limiting your choices, which can help reduce
decision fatigue and preserve willpower for more critical decisions.
6. Reflect on Your Progress: Take time to reflect on your successes and setbacks in
developing willpower; this can provide valuable insights and motivation to continue
improving.
7. Read Stoic Literature: Engage with texts from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus
to gather wisdom and inspiration for practicing stoic willpower.