The Stoic Handbook by Jon Brooks

Stoic Internal Goals Stop You From Ever Losing

Oct 4, 2023

Exploring Stoic understanding of success and failure, focusing on personal growth and character rather than external achievements, and valuing internal essence for true success and happiness.

13:23

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Quick takeaways

Focus on personal growth and character instead of competing in external contests that can lead to inevitable defeat.

True success and happiness come from within, not external achievements like wealth or fame.

Deep dives

Avoiding External Contests

The podcast discusses the stoic perspective on avoiding external contests and the belief that we should not overly invest ourselves in things outside of our control. This belief is based on the idea that the outcome of external goals, such as winning a game of tennis, is not within our direct control due to various external factors. The podcast encourages us to redefine our goals and focus on internal outcomes, such as playing to the best of our abilities or staying calm in any circumstances. By avoiding attachment to external outcomes, we can avoid the suffering that comes with defeat and instead focus on personal growth and success on our own terms.

Introduction

2min

Rigging the Game: Stoic Perspective on Goals and External Outcomes

2min

Defining Stoic Internal Goals

3min

Success and Happiness from a Stoic Perspective

3min

Send us a text

🚨 Watch the video version of this podcast over on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/H6QUMkbjWqY?si=exfXyM1QXiLVkojE

In this exploration of Epictetus' Enchiridion Chapter 19, we delve into the profound Stoic understanding of success and failure.

Many in today's society grapple with feelings of envy and frustration, often due to external factors beyond our control. Epictetus teaches that true freedom and happiness lie in understanding the distinction between what we can and can't control. Instead of competing in external contests that can lead to inevitable defeat, one should focus on personal growth and character.

Succumbing to envy and placing value on external achievements only leads to unhappiness. True success is anchored in good character and the wisdom to recognize it. Remember, freedom is about looking beyond outward appearances and valuing our internal essence.

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