The Stoic HypnotistMarcus Aurelius ran an empire. Seneca advised an emperor and managed vast estates. Epictetus taught students while running a school. The Stoics weren't philosophers who retreated from the world. They worked under enormous pressure, and they developed their philosophy partly to cope with it.
That's why Stoicism translates so well to modern working life. Whether you're dealing with a demanding boss, a difficult team, or an overflowing inbox, Stoic ideas offer practical ways to stay steady. Here are the ones I find most useful.
1. Focus on what's yours
At work, so much is outside your control: your manager's decisions, the market, your colleagues' behavior, company restructures. Trying to control these leads to stress and frustration. The Stoic approach is to focus on what is within your control: the quality of your work, your attitude, how you treat people, and how you respond to setbacks.
A useful question when you feel stressed at work: "What part of this is mine to handle?" Give that part your full attention, and practice letting go of the rest. My post on the dichotomy of control explains this in depth.
2. Expect difficulty
Marcus Aurelius began his days by reminding himself that he would meet people who were rude, ungrateful, and dishonest. This wasn't cynicism. It was preparation. When you expect some difficulty, it doesn't throw you off balance when it comes.
Try a brief morning reflection before work: "Today, I may face criticism, delays, or frustrating people. When I do, I'll respond calmly and do my best." My post on the Stoic morning describes a fuller routine.
3. Do your work well, for its own sake
The Stoics believed in doing one's duty well, regardless of recognition. Marcus reminded himself to do each task as if it were the last of his life, with care and focus. Doing good work because it's the right thing to do, rather than for praise, makes you less dependent on others' approval and less vulnerable to office politics.
4. Respond, don't react
Work offers endless opportunities for irritation: a curt email, a missed deadline, a meeting that should have been an email. The Stoics practiced creating a pause between event and response. Before replying to the frustrating email, take a breath. Ask whether the response you're drafting is one you'd be proud of tomorrow.
My post on Stoicism for anger offers more on keeping your cool.
5. Deal with difficult colleagues
The Stoics believed most wrongdoing comes from ignorance: people do what they believe is right or beneficial, even when they're mistaken. Seeing difficult colleagues this way doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it can reduce resentment and help you respond more effectively. My post on Stoicism for difficult people explores this.
6. Remember the bigger picture
When a work problem feels enormous, the Stoic practice of the view from above can help. Imagine looking at your situation from high above, then from further still, until your office is a speck in a city, in a country, on a planet. Most work crises shrink considerably from that height.
7. Protect your time and attention
Seneca warned against busyness without purpose. Many workplaces reward looking busy over doing meaningful work. A Stoic approach is to ask regularly: "Is this the best use of my time?" and to protect focused time for what matters most. My post on Seneca on the shortness of life explores this.
8. Accept setbacks gracefully
Projects fail. Promotions go to someone else. Plans change. The Stoic concept of amor fati, loving one's fate, encourages us to accept setbacks and look for what we can learn or do next, rather than dwelling on what should have been.
A short Stoic workday routine
- Morning: Reflect on what's within your control today and how you want to act.
- During the day: Pause before responding to frustrations. Ask, "What's mine to handle here?"
- After setbacks: Ask, "What can I learn? What's my next step?"
- Evening: Review the day. What went well? What would you do differently? Then let work go.
For leaders and teams
Stoic principles are particularly valuable for leaders, who carry the pressure of decisions and the wellbeing of their teams. Marcus Aurelius is often cited as a model of calm, principled leadership. I also offer corporate wellness sessions built on SRM™, the Stoic Regulation Method, which combine these ideas with practical nervous-system regulation. You can read more in the corporate wellness section of the sessions page.
Where hypnotherapy fits
Stoic principles are powerful, but under pressure, the body's stress response can override good intentions. Hypnotherapy helps your nervous system practice staying calm, so Stoic responses become easier to reach in difficult moments. My post on hypnotherapy for work stress explains more, and all sessions take place online over Zoom.
Work will always bring challenges. The Stoics offer a way to meet them with steadiness, purpose, and a clear sense of what's truly yours.