- III by Stoisayings
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- Finding Power in What You Control
III
Three Stoic quotes. Three practical applications. Three minutes.
Welcome to this week's edition of III by Stoisayings. In a world that constantly pulls our attention outward, these timeless Stoic insights invite us to look inward—where true power resides.
I.
"Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most resembles the one I am about to criticize?"
Before your next critique, try this: When someone's behavior irritates you, pause and mentally hold up a mirror. Ask yourself, "Where do I do something similar?" This isn't about avoiding accountability but recognizing our shared humanity. Often, what triggers us most in others reflects unaddressed aspects of ourselves. The next time a colleague interrupts you, consider: have you cut others off recently? This simple practice transforms judgment into self-awareness. Rather than feeding frustration, use others' perceived faults as breadcrumbs leading to your own growth opportunities. The pathway to compassion—for others and yourself—begins with this moment of honest reflection.
II.
"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."
Create an "abundance trigger" in your daily life. Choose an ordinary moment—perhaps your morning coffee or evening commute—and transform it into a deliberate appreciation practice. During these moments, mentally list three things currently in your life that you would deeply miss if they disappeared tomorrow. Not abstract concepts, but specific realities: the colleague who remembers how you take your coffee, the reliable car that gets you home, the health that allows you to walk unassisted. This isn't toxic positivity but practical perspective—training your mind to recognize existing wealth before craving more. In a culture engineered to highlight what's missing, focusing on what's present becomes a revolutionary act.
III.
"Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power."
Power isn't just what you can control in the world—it's what you can control in yourself. Today, identify one reactive pattern you'd like to change: perhaps checking your phone when bored, becoming defensive when questioned, or procrastinating when overwhelmed. When that trigger arises, create a five-second pause before your habitual response. In that small space, choose deliberately rather than reacting automatically. This isn't about perfect self-control but about increasing your response options. The truly powerful person isn't one who controls others or circumstances, but who maintains sovereignty over their own choices, especially under pressure. Start with just one pattern—mastery begins with awareness.
Until next week, Theo
P.S. Which of these three practices might feel most challenging to implement? Often, our greatest resistance points to our most valuable growth opportunities.
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