The Everyday Stoic

In this episode, William dives into a key lesson from The Everyday Stoic, exploring the chapter "I Literally Can’t Do Anything." Inspired by ancient Stoic philosophy, we discuss the nature of chaos, expectations, and how to navigate an unpredictable world with confidence and caution.We reflect on Zeno’s analogy of a dog tied to a moving cart—how fate will take us forward, whether we resist or not. Drawing on insights from Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, we explore practical Stoic exercises like premeditatio malorum(preparing for difficulties in advance) to help reduce stress and frustration in everyday life.William also shares a personal story from my time at the Shaolin Temple Europe, where Master Shi Heng Yi offered a powerful perspective on why we should never be surprised by the behaviour of strangers. Plus, a simple mindset shift that can help you stay calm when dealing with rude people, unexpected obstacles, and life’s daily frustrations.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of the modern world, this episode will give you Stoic tools to handle it with resilience.

In this episode, William explores the timeless wisdom of Epictetus and the Stoics, breaking down a powerful three-step framework that ensures victory in every situation—no matter the outcome. By mastering these principles, you’ll navigate life’s challenges with resilience, growth, and inner peace. The Dichotomy of Control – Understanding what is truly within your power and what isn’t. Your thoughts, actions, and responses? Within your control. External events, reputation, and wealth? Not in your control. Accept this, and you’ll free yourself from unnecessary suffering. The Stoic Flame – Using every obstacle as fuel for growth. Just as fire burns brighter when more is thrown into it, you can turn setbacks into stepping stones for personal development. The Reserve Clause – Taking action with determination, but always with the mindset of "fate permitting." You strive for success but remain detached from the outcome, knowing that even failure provides lessons.Through compelling examples, William illustrates how applying these principles allows you to embrace every situation as a win, turning adversity into an opportunity for strength, wisdom, and resilience.

Are they really happier than you, or are they just better at marketing their lives? In this episode, we explore the deceptive nature of social media and the curated highlight reels that make us feel like we're missing out. William breaks down why the “perfect” lives we see online are nothing more than a well-crafted illusion—and how shifting our focus to presence and real joy can free us from comparison.Drawing wisdom from Stoicism and Buddhism, this episode reminds us that suffering is a part of life, no matter how polished someone’s Instagram looks. The real game isn’t about appearing happy; it’s about actually being happy. Tune in to learn how to break free from the marketing trap and reclaim your own inner peace.

In this episode, William takes a deep dive into a modern-day poison—our obsession with greatness and its weak imitation, clout. Drawing from the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoics, he explores how this toxic pursuit has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, stripping us of true joy and fulfilment.Through a personal story of a childhood friend who lost his love for adventure to the validation of social media, William paints a vivid picture of how modern society has twisted our motivations. We climb mountains not for the view, but to be seen. We live for the approval of others, forgetting the richness of ordinary life.But what if we stopped chasing this illusion? What if, instead of grasping at the smoke of greatness, we embraced the beauty of the ordinary? William argues that true contentment lies in being present, being good, and finding meaning in the everyday—not in the unattainable image of success we’ve been sold.This episode is a powerful reminder to seek authenticity over approval, to value presence over performance, and to find greatness in the small, quiet moments of life.

What are you really avoiding right now? In this episode, William dives deep into the subtle ways we distract ourselves from discomfort—yes, even with self-improvement. William challenges you to confront the hidden reasons behind your impulse to watch this video, check social media, or dive into another productivity hack.This isn't about fixing or escaping uncomfortable feelings—it’s about accepting them. You’ll learn how to recognize the physical sensations tied to avoidance, from that tight knot in your chest to the tension in your shoulders, and how to meet them with compassion, patience, and acceptance.By the end, you’ll understand how the very feelings you run from might actually be your greatest guides. It’s time to stop escaping and start listening. Take a breath, be present, and let the discomfort stay—it might just have something important to teach you.

In this powerful episode, William dives into a timeless lesson from Epictetus, the slave-turned-stoic philosopher who inspired even the great Marcus Aurelius. What are the two worst things you can do in life? The answer might surprise you—lack of persistence and lack of self-control.William breaks down why these two vices, according to Epictetus, are the roots of personal downfall and how embracing the simple mantra "Persist and Resist" can transform your life.In a world flooded with constant temptations—from endless scrolling to quick dopamine hits—we're losing touch with our true resilience. Discover how this ancient wisdom can help you reclaim your potential, develop discipline, and stay strong through life’s challenges.

Have you ever made a promise with the best intentions, only to let yourself—or someone else—down? You’re not alone. In this episode, William explores why good intentions aren’t enough and how failing to follow through erodes trust, respect, and self-discipline.William breaks down the Stoic approach to reliability, offering a simple but powerful framework to turn your words into action. Learn how to commit to promises only after considering the real effort involved, create systems to follow through, and develop a reputation as someone who can be trusted—by others and by yourself.

Are you feeling lost, weak, or overwhelmed by life? Have you tried every self-help guru, every motivational speech, yet nothing seems to work? You're not alone. Even the greatest minds in history have felt this way—including Epictetus, a Greek slave who overcame immense suffering to become one of the most influential Stoic philosophers of all time.In this episode, William dives deep into Epictetus' foundational teaching: the Dichotomy of Control. What can you truly control? What is beyond your power? Understanding this simple distinction is the first and most crucial step in reclaiming your inner strength, focus, and peace.

What advice would you give to your younger self? It’s a question we’ve all been asked—or at least heard being asked. And it always sparks deep reflection. But what if, instead of just looking back, we used that advice right now?In this episode, William challenges you to take the best wisdom you have for your younger self and apply it to your life today. Whether it’s believing in yourself, letting go of unnecessary worries, or cutting toxic people out of your life, the key lesson is this: You don’t have to wait 20 years to realize what you already know deep down.Write it down. Live by it. Avoid the regrets you’d warn your younger self about. And if you feel like sharing, leave your advice in the comments—it might just change someone’s life.

"Brakes make the car go faster." A strange phrase at first, but when you think about it, it holds a powerful truth—not just for racing but for life and discipline. In this episode, William explores the connection between discipline, freedom, and personal growth.You'll discover two practical methods for cultivating discipline: the Mouse Hole Method, a simple yet powerful exercise to clear your mind and stay present, and the 6x5 Method, a structured approach to overcoming resistance and building daily discipline.Discipline isn’t about forcing yourself into hardship—it’s about creating the structure that sets you free. Small, consistent actions lead to massive progress over time. If you struggle with self-control or procrastination, these methods will help you take the first steps toward the life you truly want.