In the face of relentless challenges, Marcus Aurelius suggested we should be like a rock that is battered by the waves:
“It stands unmoved, and the raging of the sea falls still around it.”
This quote from over 2000 years ago and which has stood the test of time, speaks directly to entrepreneurs and business owners, and for me, especially to those of us navigating the complexities of dyslexia and ADHD.
It offers practical wisdom to help you endure, adapt, and thrive when the going gets tough.
So here are five Stoic lessons to build your resilience and keep pushing forward.
1. Cultivate Inner Stillness
In Stoicism, inner stillness is the ability to remain calm and composed despite external turmoil.
For entrepreneurs, especially those with ADHD or dyslexia, this is a superpower. Chaos may surround you, but stillness within helps you think clearly and make sound decisions.
How to Cultivate Inner Stillness:
Practice Deep Breathing: Use simple breathing exercises, such as the 4-7-8 technique, to calm your mind during stressful moments.
Create Quiet Time: Set aside moments in your day to reflect, meditate, or simply sit in silence to recharge your focus.
Limit Distractions: Use tools like noise-cancelling headphones or focus apps to reduce external interruptions.
Why It Matters:
ADHD brains often thrive in motion, but carving out moments of inner stillness allows you to reset and prevent burnout. By staying calm in the storm, you’re better equipped to navigate its challenges.
2. Embrace Challenges as Opportunities for Growth
The Stoics believed that every obstacle is an opportunity to grow stronger. Marcus Aurelius often wrote about the value of turning difficulties into fuel for personal improvement. For dyslexic and ADHD entrepreneurs, this mindset can transform frustrations into breakthroughs.
How to Reframe Challenges:
Adopt the “Amor Fati” Mindset: Embrace the idea that challenges are not enemies but allies in your journey.
Ask Reflective Questions: When faced with setbacks, ask yourself, What can I learn from this? or How can this make me better?
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize your progress, no matter how minor, to build momentum.
Real-Life Example:
Imagine facing a project that demands hours of reading and analysis—a daunting task for someone with dyslexia. Instead of dreading it, view it as an opportunity to master adaptive tools like text-to-speech software, which will make future tasks easier.
3. Practice Emotional Regulation
Emotions can either be a great ally or a formidable enemy. Stoics emphasize the importance of controlling your emotional responses to avoid impulsive decisions. For those with ADHD, this practice is particularly vital, as emotional intensity often accompanies the condition.
How to Manage Emotional Reactions:
Pause Before Responding: When triggered, count to ten before speaking or acting. This short pause can prevent regretful reactions.
Shift Perspectives: Ask yourself, Will this matter a year from now? This helps you detach from immediate frustrations.
Channel Energy Constructively: Use physical activity, like a brisk walk or quick workout, to dissipate emotional tension.
Why It Matters:
Emotional regulation prevents small challenges from snowballing into major setbacks. For entrepreneurs, keeping a level head ensures better problem-solving and relationship management.
4. Focus on What You Can Control
A cornerstone of Stoic philosophy is the dichotomy of control—the distinction between what is within our power and what is not. For business owners with ADHD or dyslexia, this principle can simplify decision-making and reduce overwhelm.
What You Can Control:
Your Effort: Commit to doing your best work, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Your Attitude: Choose optimism and resilience over despair and frustration.
Your Reactions: Focus on responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.
Let Go of the Rest:
Don’t waste energy worrying about factors beyond your influence, such as others’ opinions or market fluctuations. Instead, channel your energy into areas where you can make a difference.
5. Commit to Resilience Through Daily Habits
Stoics understood that resilience isn’t built overnight; it’s cultivated through consistent, intentional practices. For dyslexic and ADHD entrepreneurs, daily habits can create structure and foster endurance.
Effective Daily Practices:
Morning Reflection: Start your day by reviewing your goals and intentions.
Journaling: Use tools like voice-to-text apps if writing feels challenging. Reflect on what went well and what you can improve.
Gratitude Practice: End your day by noting three things you’re grateful for, reinforcing a positive mindset.
The Power of Routines: Simple, sustainable routines can help you stay grounded, focused, and prepared to weather life’s inevitable waves.
Practical Exercises for Entrepreneurs Inspired by Stoicism
Here are some actionable steps to embody Marcus Aurelius’ wisdom:
Visualise the Rock: Spend a few moments imagining yourself as a rock standing firm against crashing waves. Reflect on how you’ve weathered past storms.
Journal Your Waves: Write about a recent challenge and identify what you learned from it.
Plan for Chaos: Create a list of potential obstacles and outline strategies to address them proactively.
Real-Life Example: Thriving Despite the Waves
Take the example of Kelly Adams, an entrepreneur with ADHD who struggled to meet deadlines. By embracing Stoic principles, she reframed deadlines as opportunities to build time-management skills, used apps to stay organised, and practised daily reflection. Over time, her “waves” became stepping stones to success.
Perseverance isn’t about avoiding challenges but learning to stand firm amidst them. Marcus Aurelius’ advice to be like the rock serves as a guiding light for dyslexic and ADHD entrepreneurs.
By cultivating inner stillness, reframing challenges, managing emotions, focusing on what you can control, and committing to daily habits, you can thrive no matter how turbulent the waves may be.
