This is the philosophical discipline my father and I subscribe to.
Axioms
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Wisdom — the ability to differentiate between what is within our control and what is not, and to choose our response accordingly. This Can Also be Seen as being able to have Awareness and how to move through situations with clarity.
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Courage — summed up by two words: "persist and resist."
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Temperance — exercising moderation, doing more with less, and avoiding excess.
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Justice — treating all people fairly because we were born for one another.
Theorems
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External things are "indifferent" — Health, wealth, reputation don’t actually make you better or worse as a person.
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The dichotomy of control — We control our judgments, desires, and actions; we don’t control external events.
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Living "according to nature" means living according to reason — Humans are rational animals, so our nature is to think clearly.
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Obstacles become opportunities — Every challenge is a chance to practice virtue, a great sparing partner for life.
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Accepting reality without complaint.
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Preparing for adversity with practices like voluntary discomfort (e.g., taking cold showers or eating simply to build gratitude and mental resilience).
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Morning Reflection (Pre-Meditation) Purpose: Prepare for the day with intention.
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Waking Up Early Purpose: Begin the day with clarity and purpose.
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Journaling (Evening Review) Purpose: Reflect on actions, correct mistakes, and reinforce progress.
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Negative Visualization (Premeditatio Malorum) Purpose: Strengthen resilience by imagining worst-case scenarios.
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Meditation on Death (Memento Mori) Purpose: Prioritize what matters by remembering life’s finiteness.
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Work on Yourself a Little Each Day Purpose: Make small daily progress toward resilience and wisdom.
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Don’t Procrastinate + Purpose: Prioritize what matters now.
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Don’t Overthink It Purpose: Avoid paralysis by analysis.
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Treat the Body Rigorously Purpose: Build discipline by caring for your body.
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Habits and Routines Purpose: Establish a healthy structure to your day.
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Getting Enough Sleep Purpose: Rest and rejuvenate.
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Detaching from Outcomes Purpose: Avoid emotional dependency on success or failure.
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Service to Others Purpose: Live out the Stoic virtue of justice.
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Practicing Silence and Restraint Purpose: Train self-discipline and thoughtful speech.
