Welcome to 2024, where we’re all just one viral post away from existential crisis, dancing for likes, followers, and whatever badge the algorithm spews out next. It’s easy to catch yourself fiending after attention like a TikTok addict on their fourth double espresso.
That’s when I dial up my business guru Epictetus. Yes, my mentor is a 2,000-year-old Stoic philosopher who never even dreamt of Instagram.
"Some things are up to us, and some are not up to us.” – Epictetus
What The Hell Would That Old Guy Know (And How Did You Get His Number?)
You’re drowning in a sea of content, and every click feels strangely personal. All the “get rich quick” TikTok hustlers will have you believe the secret to happiness is a six-figure audience and a Lambo. (Oh, and you need to be 20. Sorry.)
But my guy Epictetus would raise an eyebrow and say: that’s not your circus, not your monkeys. You can’t control algorithms, virality, or when someone finally notices your genius. What is in your control? The quality of your work. The intent behind your actions. The way you show up regardless of who’s watching.
"If you want to be free, do not wish for anything that depends on others, or else you will always be a slave.” – Epictetus
His 2,000-year-old wisdom is crystal clear: Craft work because it matters to you. Create value because you can. Everything else is out of your hands, and honestly, was it ever really in them?
What Tips Does Your Dead Friend Have For Us?
Let’s channel some ancient wisdom right into your modern inbox. Here’s how Stoicism can make you a better, saner entrepreneur:
Try This
Focus on Inputs, Not Outcomes Make your goal about the making, not the metrics. You control your craft, not the aftermath.
Rehearse Your Failures Stoics practised premeditatio malorum imagine the worst happens. Suddenly, that crickets-only blog post isn’t the end of your world.
Detox Your Dopamine Step back from the analytics loop. Check your numbers once a week, not every waking hour. (call out for myself)
Own Your Intent Ask, “Am I doing this to genuinely help, or just chasing applause?” The former builds longevity; the latter burns you out.
Remember You’re Not the Algorithm Weird viral waves will come and go. Your only real competition is your own yesterday.
"You can make progress today if you stop getting tangled in what you cannot change.”
Freedom in Acceptance
Want Epictetus’ most radical, liberating advice for today’s hustlers? Serenity lands the moment you stop fighting for control over what’s not yours. Accept what’s out of reach, pour yourself into what is.
"Make the best use of what is in your power and take the rest as it happens.”
When no one’s clicking, when your newsletter’s growth graph looks like an anemic heart rate monitor, pause. Remember: play your part, serve as best you can, then let fortune do her thing.
Try This
Grab a post-it and write: “Craft. Care. Let go.” Stick it on your laptop. Every time you get twitchy about numbers, read it again.
Wraping It Up
Here’s the wisdom that’s lasted 2,000 years: Your job is to create work worth doing, no matter who’s watching. Success? Out of your hands. Applause? Not guaranteed. But peace, progress, and satisfaction they’re yours for the taking, if you’re bold enough to focus only on what you can control.
Also if you're interested in Stoicism a good place to start is with the work of Ryan Holiday. https://ryanholiday.net/
Want to riff or rant about your own Stoic struggles? Hit reply and share your story or forward this to a fellow midlife pivot-er who needs a reality check.