Stoic Coffee Break

A deep look at why people wait for crises instead of stepping into greatness. Discussion of loss aversion, hidden risks in comfort, and the lure of victimhood. Exploration of identity traps and how small daily actions build heroic character. Practical tools like visualizing losses, acting for values rather than outcomes, and deliberately failing forward to grow courage.

Explore the art of multi-perspective thinking and how it enhances decision-making. Delve into Socratic questioning, revealing that wisdom lies in asking, not answering. Discover why seeking certainty can stifle learning and how ego affects our openness. Learn a four-step process to challenge and synthesize beliefs effectively. Eric provides a deeper look at discipline, unveiling underlying values that shape our actions. Embrace the benefits of testing your conclusions to uncover better solutions.

Explore the Stoic concept of ataraxia, a state of active tranquility that enhances mental toughness. Learn how ataraxia differs from mere resilience, providing stability during chaos. Discover the importance of managing emotions wisely instead of suppressing them, and the role of choice in responses. Eric shares practical exercises to combat anxiety and strengthen your ability to stay level in stressful situations. Finally, insights from Seneca remind us to expect variability in life, helping maintain composure amid uncertainty.

As the year wraps up, it's the perfect time to reflect on personal attributes rather than just goals. Embrace curiosity and be open to differing views to foster growth. Discomfort can be a powerful teacher, helping to shape character by emphasizing what truly matters. Embracing vulnerability enhances our connections, while resilience gives us the strength to face challenges. Finally, let go of burdens and choose kindness, especially in a world that can be harsh. This new year, focus on who you want to be!

Explore how self-beliefs shape our identities and influence choices. Discover the link between failure and limiting beliefs, and how fear can protect us but also hold us back. Learn that identity is malleable, and embracing change can unlock potential. Eric delves into the origins of beliefs and underscores the importance of internal validation. He encourages listeners to release past identities and reflect on their self-talk to foster growth. Ultimately, transform your identity by acting in alignment with who you want to become.

Love can be a powerful force, but can Stoicism enhance how we experience it? Discover how rejecting the myth of incompleteness can strengthen relationships. Learn to differentiate between attraction and true love, and why uncontrolled emotions aren't genuine love. Embrace the power of choice in love and practice giving without expectations. Uncover how self-acceptance opens the door to generous love, fostering fulfilling partnerships based on mutual growth and happiness.

What do you truly invest your attention in? Explore how attention shapes your identity and the costs of wasted time. Discover the stark contrast between enriching pursuits like reading and the mind-numbing scroll of social media. Tech CEOs recognize the value of focus for their kids, emphasizing that distractions dilute life’s richness. Learn strategies to track your attention, avoid distractions, and align your focus with a meaningful purpose, ensuring every moment is a mindful investment towards growth.

Explore the art of temperance through a delicious cheesecake story, emphasizing moderation in various life areas. Discover how self-forgiveness can be a powerful tool for moving past mistakes while differentiating regret from shame. Learn strategies to manage the chaos of today’s news, including focusing on what you can control and acting locally to reduce anxiety. This engaging discussion offers insightful ways to find balance and resilience in a tumultuous world.

In this engaging discussion, Donald Robertson, a CBT therapist and author known for his expertise in Stoic philosophy, dives deep into the complexities of anger. He explores its role as a secondary emotion tied to fear and shame, and shares insights on how anger often disrupts rational thinking. Donald emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in identifying triggers and practicing acceptance to mitigate anger's compulsive nature. He also reveals how Stoic principles can aid in recognizing and addressing our responses to anger.

What do you truly value in life? The discussion dives into the importance of self-value versus self-esteem, exploring how Stoicism can help you discover your inner worth. Key indicators of high and low self-value are examined, along with the connection between low self-value and feelings of anger. Practical steps to elevate your self-value, such as adopting a growth mindset, accepting flaws, and taking responsibility, are highlighted. Ultimately, valuing yourself paves the way for growth, compassion, and resilience.