The Stoic Handbook with Jon Brooks The Dichotomy of Control 2.0 – Epictetus for Anxious Achievers
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Nov 24, 2025 Discover how to leverage the timeless wisdom of Epictetus with a modern twist! The podcast demystifies the dichotomy of control, offering smart strategies to discern what’s up to you and what’s not. Learn to plan like a strategist and tackle real-life situations, from job hunting to tough conversations. The innovative Epictetan Control Framework guides you through practical steps to manage anxiety and frustration effectively. Plus, engage in a quick exercise to tackle your current stressor right away!
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Character Over Outcomes
- The dichotomy of control protects your character, not your outcomes or productivity hacks.
- Judge yourself by your choices, not by the world's cooperation, to reduce suffering and bitterness.
Add Planning Labels To The 'Not Up To Me' Box
- Adding planning labels inside 'not up to me' preserves Stoic clarity while enabling strategy.
- Use 'steer' and 'watch' to plan without letting outcomes carry moral weight.
Run The 6-Step ECF Loop
- Run the six-step Epictetus Control Framework (ECF) to plan and evaluate stressors quickly.
- Name the target, fork-test variables, label steer/watch, build a plan, add a reserve clause, and review only your choices.