III

Three Stoic quotes. Three practical applications. Three minutes.

Welcome to this week's edition of III by Stoisayings. Today we explore how simplicity, mindset, and deliberate practice shape our experience of life's complexities.

I.

The next time you feel the pull to purchase something, try this: Wait 72 hours before buying. During this time, ask yourself, "What specific problem will this solve?" and "Will this truly increase my happiness a month from now?" This simple waiting period creates a buffer between impulse and action. True wealth isn't measured by what you own, but by the gap between what you have and what you desire. By consciously narrowing this gap, you'll discover that satisfaction comes more from wanting what you already have than from constantly acquiring more. The person with fewer cravings often experiences more contentment than the one with more possessions.

II.

Start a daily thought audit. For one week, set three random alarms on your phone. When they sound, pause and notice: What was I just thinking about? Was it empowering or limiting? Was I focused on what I can control or what I cannot? The universe will continuously transform around you – relationships will evolve, markets will fluctuate, plans will be disrupted. The only constant is change itself. Your power lies not in controlling these external shifts but in choosing how you interpret them. By becoming aware of your automatic thought patterns, you can begin to consciously select perspectives that serve rather than sabotage you.

III.

Wisdom is cultivated, not stumbled upon. This week, identify one decision you repeatedly face – perhaps managing your reactions to criticism, allocating your time, or communicating with a specific person. Then, deliberately experiment with your approach. Try a new response, document what happens, and reflect on what you learned. Repeat this cycle intentionally. We often drift through life on autopilot, hoping to magically become wiser with time. But wisdom doesn't come from merely having experiences – it comes from reflecting on them, extracting principles, and applying them deliberately. The wise person turns every situation into a lesson. Nothing is wasted, everything teaches.

Until next week, Theo

P.S. Which quote resonates most with your current life situation? Often, the wisdom that makes us most uncomfortable is exactly what we need to hear.