Anxiety — 2
Stoicism
Anxiety is the art of fearing what isn’t here — problems that don’t exist in the present moment. It’s the mind’s way of spinning out scenarios, focusing on what could go wrong, and giving life to fears that have no basis in reality. It’s like watching a thunderstorm brewing on the horizon, even though the sky above you is still clear.
Consider this: because infidelity is common in relationships, you fear it might happen to you. Because you’re struggling financially now, you obsess over the idea of being poor forever. Your mind takes these abstract worries and treats them as if they are imminent truths. But here’s the hard truth: if it’s not happening, then it’s not happening.
This isn’t just about avoiding unnecessary worry — it’s about reclaiming the present moment and refusing to let imagined fears dictate your life.
Anxiety thrives on our ability to imagine the worst. It latches onto uncertainties and magnifies them:
• What if my partner betrays me?
• What if I never get out of debt?
• What if I’m not good enough to achieve my goals?
These questions feel urgent, as if the mere act of worrying about them will prepare you for the future. But the reality is that anxiety doesn’t solve problems — it creates new ones. By focusing on what might happen, you rob yourself of the clarity, peace, and focus you need to address what’s actually in front of you.
When I used to think about the future too much, my mind was a constant swirl of “what-ifs.” I would spiral into fears of failure, rejection, or loss, even though none of these things were actually happening. The future became a monster in my mind — a place of endless uncertainty and imagined pain.
Discovering Stoicism helped me shift my perspective. At its core, Stoicism teaches us to focus on what we can control and let go of what we cannot. As the Stoic philosopher Epictetus said:
“We suffer more in imagination than in reality.”
Here’s how Stoicism helped me — and can help you — break free from the grip of anxiety:
1. Separate what you can control from what you cannot
Anxiety often stems from trying to control the uncontrollable. Stoicism reminds us to focus on what’s within our power:
• Your actions.
• Your thoughts.
• Your choices.
You can’t control whether your partner will always be faithful, but you can control how you show up in the relationship. You can’t guarantee wealth in the future, but you can control how you manage your finances today.
When you focus on what you can influence, anxiety loses its power.
2. Stay present and accept reality as it is
Marcus Aurelius, another great Stoic thinker, wrote:
“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
Anxiety pulls you into the future, but Stoicism grounds you in the present. It teaches you to accept what is happening right now without resisting or embellishing it with fears. If your current reality is manageable, let that be enough.
3. Reframe challenges as ppportunities for growth
Anxiety often paints challenges as threats. Stoicism flips the script, encouraging you to see obstacles as chances to grow.
• Worried about failure? See it as a chance to learn.
• Fearful of rejection? Treat it as an opportunity to build resilience.
By reframing challenges, you transform fear into curiosity and anxiety into action.
Stop borrowing troubles from the future. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that overthinking the future is not only exhausting but also pointless. The future is a blank canvas — one that you cannot fully predict or control. Worrying about it doesn’t prepare you; it paralyzes you.
Here’s the truth:
• The betrayal you fear in your relationship hasn’t happened.
• The poverty you imagine for yourself isn’t here.
• The failure you dread is still a possibility, not a certainty.
If it’s not happening now, it’s not happening. By giving attention to these imaginary problems, you allow them to take up space in your mind, robbing you of peace and productivity.
When I started applying Stoic principles, I made small but meaningful changes to my mindset:
1. Daily reflection. Each morning, I’d remind myself of what I could control and let go of the rest. Writing down my intentions helped me stay grounded.
2. Practicing gratitude. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, I focused on what was going right. This simple shift quieted my fears and brought me back to the present.
3. Taking small, intentional actions. Rather than worrying about long-term success, I broke my goals into manageable steps. By focusing on what I could do today, I stopped feeling overwhelmed by the future.
Anxiety is a thief — it steals your time, your peace, and your joy. But you can take back control by shifting your focus to the present and embracing what is, rather than fearing what might be.
Remember:
• The future is uncertain, but so is its potential for greatness.
• You can’t control everything, but you can control how you respond.
• If it’s not happening now, let it go.
As the Stoics teach us, true peace comes from focusing on what we can influence and accepting the rest with grace. When you stop fearing what isn’t here, you create space for clarity, action, and growth.
So the next time your mind drifts into “what-ifs,” pause. Breathe. Remind yourself that the only thing real is this moment. Live it fully, and let the future take care of itself.
