We often find ourselves complaining about things that aren’t perfect in our lives. However, the Stoics took a more rational approach to obstacles.
After all, when we look back, we often find that our biggest challenges made us into who we are today. The challenges, which we dreaded so much at the time, are what helped us grow and develop. Overcoming obstacles is even a confidence booster when we prove to ourselves that we are capable of something new.
In this post we’re introducing the advantage of disadvantages. In three steps, we’ll learn how the Stoics actively reframed their problems to make the greatest impact on their condition.
Life is supposed to be challenging
First off, life isn’t fair and it’s definitely not easy. Life will always be challenging at times – and that’s not a bad thing.
What would have become of hercules, if he didn’t spend his life battling giants and monsters? If he instead spent all his time drinking beer on the sofa, he surely wouldn’t have become the hero we know of today.
Difficulties show a person’s character. So when a challenge confronts you, remember that God is matching you with a younger sparring partner, as would a physical trainer. Why? Becoming an Olympian takes sweat! I think no one has a better challenge than yours, if only you would use it like an athlete would that younger sparring partner.
Epictetus
Who said life would be easy or fair? We are simply here to endure. Don’t wish for life to be hard, but also don’t wish for it to be easy. Rather, wish for the strength to deal with any situation.
That is how we succeed.
Change your perspective
Perception is how we see and understand what happens around us. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, we must learn to limit our passionate emotions and their control over our lives.
Fear is debilitating, distracting, tiring and – more often than not – irrational. Remember that we choose how we look at things, and we are always capable of adding perspective to a situation. We can’t change the way things are, but we can always change our perception of obstacles.
Our approach to each obstacle determines how daunting it will be to overcome. We can limit our perspective to whatever will keep us calmest and best prepared for the task at hand.
Perspective has two functions. Firstly, it provides context, providing a sense of the larger picture of the world. Secondly, individuals use perspective for framing; to provide their own unique view and interpreting the events that happen. We can always change our impressions with the Stoic idea of katalepsis.
Rather than allowing an obstacle to frustrate and discourage, we should turn every challenge into an advantage. In this way, we keep our minds calm while focusing on the action that matters most.
Channel your energy
Adversity can harden you – or it can loosen you up and make you better.
It’s easy for thoughts to spiral out of control when we encounter a new obstacle. That’s why we need to be aware of our thoughts. We need to be aware of what we can control. We need to channel our energy from whatever we can’t control into whatever we can control.
Instead of giving in to frustration, we can put it to good use – powering our actions. Think of an athlete “in the zone”. These athletes might not be able to carry out this or that action due to external factors. But the direction cannot be altered.
The pressure of the game moves the athlete forward. And nothing can stop the champion’s flow state.
Love everything that happens
After we discard our expectations and accept whatever happens to us – especially those outside of our control – we should love whatever happens to us. We put our emotions and energy where they will have the most impact.
The Stoics taught that we should learn to embrace and even love our fate. This concept is known as amor fati.
Whenever an obstacle arises, we ought to tell ourselves:
This is what I need to do? Well, I might as well be happy about it.
The obstacle may not be so serious, but it is nevertheless outside your control. There is only one response in these situations, and that is a simple smile. Learning to be indifferent to challenges in life is one thing, but to love everything that happens is the ultimate Stoic goal.
I’m glad this happened. Because if it happened, it was meant to happen, and I am glad it happened when it did. I am meant to make the best of it.
It may seem unnatural to be grateful for something we never wanted to happen in the first place. However, when we think about it, we know that challenges help us emerge stronger, sharper and empowered.
Rather than begrudgingly acknowledge later that this obstacle was for the best, we can approach the situation with this mindset from the offset. You love it, because it’s all fuel. There’s always good in the bad, no matter how imperceptible it may seem at first.
Living the challenge
Don’t wish for life to be easier when it gets tough. Rather, wish for the strength to deal with it. It’s an opportunity for growth. The question is what you’ll do with the challenge. Will you accept the challenge and be ready to tackle it head on, living up to the Stoic virtues? Or will you throw in the towel after your first blow to the chin.
Life is supposed to be hard. This is what we’re here for. We are all Hercules in our quests. Every challenge is an opportunity to prove our resilience, grow and build character. It’s unfortunate if you don’t have to face challenges.
“I judge you unfortunate because you have never lived through misfortune. You have passed through life without an opponent – no one can ever know what you’re capable of, not even you.”
Seneca
Living the challenge is how we grow and develop, ultimately reaching a state of happiness, mental clarity and productivity.
Conquering Obstacles in a Nutshell
Next time you’re facing a tough situation, accept it as an opportunity for growth. Don’t worry about it. The challenge is a formative experience that you will be grateful for later. The question is not if life will throw a challenge at you, but when.
Will you respond in a positive way, ready to tackle it and start learning? Or will you respond like a victim, frustrating and crying, thinking you deserve better?
Just remember, when things get tough, that’s what you’re here for.
Life should be challenging and you prove yourself with every challenge.
Learn more about Stoicism with our posts on Stoicism in a Nutshell and How to be a Modern Stoic.