The Everyday Stoic

Click here to check out HUEL: ⁠https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#ad In today’s episode, William explores five surefire ways to ensure lifelong misery. By examining common behaviours that lead to unhappiness, he offers a fresh perspective on how to live a more fulfilling life. The first step to misery, he explains, is constantly comparing yourself to others. This habit, exacerbated by social media, fosters envy and dissatisfaction as we chase after lives that are often just carefully curated illusions. William then discusses the importance of gratitude. Removing gratitude from your life will quickly lead to a negative mindset and a sense of lack. Instead of appreciating what you have, you focus on what you don’t, making true happiness elusive. Another step to guaranteed misery is thinking you know better than everyone else. William uses the example of Marcus Aurelius, who, despite his greatness, always remained humble and open to learning from others. The episode also covers the dangers of staying closed-minded. This mindset keeps you stuck, preventing personal growth and keeping you miserable. Lastly, William talks about the comfort zone. While it might seem safe, remaining comfortable prevents you from truly expressing yourself and finding fulfilment. By facing discomfort, you can release your true self and achieve real freedom. Join William as he flips conventional wisdom on its head, showing how recognizing and avoiding these negative behaviours can lead to a more joyful and meaningful life. Tune in and start your journey toward happiness by understanding what not to do.

Click here to check out HUEL: https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros ⁠⁠⁠#ad In today's episode, William explores the question: What is more important, your mind or your muscles? He argues that while many people dedicate hours each week to physical fitness, they often neglect mental workouts. The Stoics believed that the mind is our most vital tool and should be exercised with even greater diligence than the body. William emphasizes that just as physical strength diminishes without regular exercise, so too does mental strength. William introduces the idea of creating mental workout plans, similar to physical ones, focusing on four key areas: growth, good nature, resilience, and greatness. He shares his personal journey of overcoming the fear of public speaking through a structured plan of small, consistent actions. By setting clear goals and breaking them down into manageable steps, anyone can build mental strength and character. He also discusses the importance of virtues such as wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice in daily life. By consciously practicing these virtues, and reflecting on our actions, we can develop a good nature. To build resilience, he suggests incorporating voluntary discomfort into our routines, such as cold showers or fasting, to strengthen our mental toughness. Finally, William encourages listeners to seek out their personal challenges and confront them directly. This practice of facing fears head-on leads to true greatness and self-improvement. He reminds us that growth comes from action, not just from consuming information.

Click here to check out HUEL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#ad In today's episode, William delves into the timeless wisdom of Stoicism, focusing on how to stay calm during life's most challenging moments. Reflecting on the lives of ancient Stoics like Emperor Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, we uncover their secrets to maintaining serenity amidst chaos and adversity. Marcus Aurelius faced the Antonine Plague, the Marcomannic Wars, and numerous assassination attempts, yet he governed with remarkable calm. Similarly, Epictetus, born a slave, endured a life filled with hardships, yet he too remained unshaken. Their ability to stay composed stemmed from deeply ingrained Stoic teachings—principles that transcend mere reading and require absorption into one's very soul. At the heart of Stoicism lies a fundamental mantra given to its founder, Zeno of Cetium, by the Delphic Oracle: "Dye your mind with the colours of dead men." This meant immersing oneself in the teachings of past philosophers like Socrates, not just learning their words but embodying their wisdom. William emphasises the importance of practicing Stoic principles through the "Three A's": Awareness, Assessment, and Action. This approach allows us to pause, reflect, and choose the most reasoned response in any situation, fostering calmness and confidence. William also shares personal anecdotes, illustrating how these teachings helped him manage severe pain and find calm during trying times. He encourages listeners to soak in these philosophies and reflect on their transformative potential.

Click here to check out HUEL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#ad Imagine being faced with a choice at the end of your life: go to paradise or get back on the ride of life one more time. Would you choose to relive all the highs and lows, knowing you selected every experience, both joyous and painful? In today's episode, William Mulligan explores this thought experiment to help you understand that every moment, every challenge, and every joy was chosen by you. By embracing this perspective, you can develop a profound sense of confidence and resilience. William shares insights into controlling what you can—your inner world and character—and letting go of what you can't. Join us as we delve into how challenges build strength, how confusion fosters wisdom, and how to take responsibility for your own growth. Embrace the mindset of a hero on a journey and learn how to face life's difficulties with courage and confidence. Transform your approach to life with the wisdom of stoicism in this empowering episode.

Click here to check out HUEL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#ad In this episode, William delves into the wisdom of Epictetus on conquering nerves and building true confidence. William shares a powerful passage from Epictetus' Discourses that has profoundly impacted his life, particularly in overcoming nervousness and fear. William explores the concept of discipline as a source of strength and confidence, drawing an analogy with a musician who masters the guitar through practice but still struggles with stage fright. This discussion highlights how continuous practice and application of Stoic principles, such as the dichotomy of control, can transform our approach to life's challenges. Reflecting on personal experiences, William talks about the impact of audience judgment on his confidence, whether during interviews, public speaking, or social media engagements. He emphasises the importance of focusing on what we can control—our actions and responses—while letting go of external opinions. William also shares his journey of overcoming the fear of death through Stoic teachings, illustrating how repetitive contemplation of Stoic truths can lead to profound internal change. He encourages listeners to apply these principles to their own fears and nerves, assuring them that true confidence comes from disciplined practice and a deep understanding of what truly matters. Join William as he guides you through the Stoic path to confidence and freedom from nerves, helping you to live more authentically and courageously.

Click here to check out HUEL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#ad In this episode, William explores seven powerful Stoic principles designed to fortify your mind and ensure that nothing can affect you. The Stoics liken mental resilience to the training of a wrestler—constantly prepared for any challenge. Invest time and effort into mental exercises to build strength of character and adaptability, much like a wrestler trains their body. Embrace Epictetus' teaching of confidence in things outside your control, trusting the natural order and focusing on what you can influence—your impressions, opinions, and desires. Train your mind like a boxer, who relies solely on their internal strength rather than external tools, by actively practicing Stoic principles. Confront your fear of death, recognizing it as a natural part of life, and free yourself from the many other fears that stem from this primal anxiety. By facing your fears and understanding that they are often exaggerated perceptions, you can diminish their power over you. Practice premeditatio malorum—anticipate challenges and difficulties—to reduce their impact when they arrive and maintain your equanimity. Join William as he shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on integrating these Stoic exercises into your daily routine, empowering you to live a tranquil, resilient, and fulfilling life.

William Mulligan, a Stoic philosophy enthusiast, discusses overcoming regret and learning from past mistakes. He explores the detrimental effects of dwelling on past errors and offers practical strategies for breaking free from the cycle of regret. William emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, trusting the process, and embracing life's unpredictability to prevent future regrets.

Click here to check out HUEL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#ad In today's episode, we focus on five things to quit right now for a more serene life. First, stop living in the past. The Stoics taught that the present moment is all we truly have, so dwelling on past mistakes only detracts from our happiness. Next, stop trying to make everyone happy. It’s impossible, and doing so often means sacrificing your own well-being. Instead, prioritize self-care and personal growth. Overthinking is another habit to quit. While we can’t stop thoughts from entering our minds, we can choose not to dwell on them. Also, stop focusing on what you can’t control. Accept that external events are beyond your influence and concentrate on your internal responses. Lastly, stop expecting returns for your good deeds. True character is built by selflessly helping others without anticipating rewards or recognition.

Click here to check out HUEL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#ad In today’s episode, William explores the surefire ways to derail your life rapidly by embracing negative habits and attitudes. We highlight how constant negative self-talk, focusing on uncontrollable factors, and neglecting personal responsibility can swiftly lead to personal disaster. William delves into the dangers of complaining incessantly, blaming others, and living in the past. These behaviors not only impede progress but also exacerbate stress and dissatisfaction. By fixating on what we cannot change and avoiding ownership of our actions, we set ourselves up for failure and unhappiness. Join us as we uncover these destructive habits and learn how Stoic principles can help us avoid them. Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to Stoic School, this episode offers valuable insights to help you lead a more mindful and productive life.

Click here to check out HUEL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#ad In this episode, William Mulligan reacts to a thought-provoking video titled "Stoicism is Making Men Weak" by Grim Hustle. William delves into the critique of modern stoicism, discussing how the philosophy is often misrepresented and commercialized in today's social media landscape. He emphasizes the difference between true stoicism and its diluted versions prevalent online, which often focus on superficial aspects rather than the deeper principles. William explores the idea that stoicism teaches acceptance of pain but clarifies that this acceptance does not imply passive resignation. Instead, stoicism encourages working towards solutions and finding meaning in suffering. He also touches on the historical context of stoicism, including its spiritual dimensions and the role of God in ancient stoic teachings, contrasting this with the atheistic interpretations sometimes seen today. Throughout the episode, William provides insights into how stoicism can promote resilience and personal empowerment, challenging the notion that it weakens individuals. He advises listeners to seek out reputable sources and authors to truly understand and practice stoicism. Join William for an engaging discussion that sheds light on the true essence of stoicism and its relevance in contemporary life.