Soul in the Game

1. Embrace Stoicism as a practical philosophy for life

"Stoicism seeks to minimize unnecessary negative emotions, which in turn amplifies positive emotions."

Practical wisdom. Stoicism offers a logical and practical approach to life without requiring faith in the supernatural. It provides mental models and frameworks to deal with challenges, make decisions, and find meaning. Key Stoic practices include:

• Focusing on what's within your control
• Reframing negative situations
• Practicing negative visualization
• Cultivating virtues like wisdom, justice, courage, and self-control

Ancient insights, modern applications. While rooted in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, Stoic principles remain highly relevant today. They can help manage stress, build resilience, improve relationships, and find purpose in our fast-paced, uncertain world.

2. Focus on what you can control and let go of the rest

"The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have."

Dichotomy of control. This core Stoic concept distinguishes between what we can and cannot influence. We have control over our:

• Thoughts
• Actions
• Reactions
• Values and goals

We don't control external events, other people's opinions, or outcomes. Focusing energy on what we can impact leads to greater effectiveness and peace of mind.

Practical application. When faced with a challenge, ask "Is this within my control?" If not, accept it and focus on your response. For controllable factors, take purposeful action. This mindset reduces anxiety and increases agency.

3. Reframe negative situations to find opportunity and growth

"It is our attitude toward events, not events themselves, which we can control. Nothing is by its own nature calamitous."

Cognitive reframing. How we interpret events shapes our emotional response and actions. By consciously reframing negative situations, we can find silver linings, learning opportunities, and motivation for growth. This doesn't mean denying reality, but choosing a perspective that empowers rather than victimizes us.

Practical steps:

1. Identify the negative interpretation
2. Challenge its accuracy and usefulness
3. Generate alternative perspectives
4. Choose the most constructive framing

Growth mindset. Viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement, rather than threats or failures, builds resilience and adaptability. This mindset is crucial for personal and professional development.

4. Cultivate meaningful relationships and be present with loved ones

"Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children."

Quality time. Meaningful relationships require intentional investment of time and attention. Be fully present during interactions, minimizing distractions like phones or work thoughts. Create rituals and traditions that strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

Practical strategies:

• Schedule regular one-on-one time with family members
• Practice active listening without judgment
• Express appreciation and affection often
• Create shared experiences and adventures

Limited time perspective. Recognizing the finite nature of our relationships can increase our appreciation and motivation to prioritize them. Consider that each interaction could be the last, inspiring us to make it count.

5. Pursue creative passions and find "soul in the game"

"If you are investing solely to get rich and don't enjoy the struggle, the ups and downs of the process, then you are destined for unhappiness."

Intrinsic motivation. Finding joy and meaning in the process of your work, not just the outcome, leads to greater fulfillment and resilience. This "soul in the game" approach applies to any field – investing, writing, art, or business.

Key elements of soul in the game:

• Pursuing mastery for its own sake
• Embracing challenges as part of growth
• Finding purpose beyond financial rewards
• Continuously pushing creative boundaries

Balancing passion and practicality. While following your passion is important, it's crucial to also develop skills that create value for others. Find the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, and what the world needs.

6. Practice negative visualization to increase gratitude and resilience

"Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours."

Imagining loss. Regularly visualizing the loss of things we value – health, relationships, possessions – can counterintuitively increase our happiness. This practice:

• Increases gratitude for what we have
• Reduces hedonic adaptation (taking things for granted)
• Prepares us mentally for potential setbacks

Practical exercises:

• Imagine losing a loved one to increase appreciation
• Visualize health problems to value current wellbeing
• Consider job loss to recognize career opportunities

Balanced perspective. While focusing on potential losses, maintain an overall positive outlook. The goal is increased appreciation and preparedness, not anxiety or pessimism.

7. Continuously learn and push beyond your comfort zone

"As long as you live, keep learning how to live."

Student of life mindset. Adopting a lifelong learning attitude keeps us humble, curious, and adaptable. This approach applies to all areas of life – career, relationships, hobbies, and personal growth.

Strategies for continuous growth:

• Read widely across disciplines
• Seek out diverse perspectives and experiences
• Embrace challenges and see failures as learning opportunities
• Regularly reassess and update your beliefs and knowledge

Expanding competence. Pushing beyond your comfort zone in small, manageable steps builds confidence and capabilities. Identify areas where you want to grow and take consistent action to improve.

8. Manage your time and environment to maximize productivity

"We are horrible with our time. Our initial reaction is to blame it on Netflix and Facebook. I get it – but at the same time, I don't."

Intentional time use. Treat time as your most precious resource. Regularly audit how you spend your hours and align your schedule with your priorities and values.

Productivity strategies:

• Time block your day for focused work
• Eliminate or batch low-value tasks
• Create an environment conducive to deep work
• Use the "2-minute rule" for quick tasks

Energy management. Recognize that willpower and focus are finite resources. Structure your day to tackle important tasks when you're most energized. Build in regular breaks and recovery time.

9. Find meaning through solving good problems, not avoiding pain

"Happiness in life comes from having and solving good problems!"

Embracing challenges. A life without struggle often feels empty and meaningless. Instead of seeking to eliminate all discomfort, choose challenges aligned with your values and goals. This reframes difficulties as opportunities for growth and purpose.

Identifying good problems:

• Align with your values and long-term vision
• Stretch your capabilities
• Contribute positively to others or society
• Provide a sense of progress and accomplishment

Pain vs. suffering. Distinguish between necessary pain (growth, challenge, temporary discomfort) and unnecessary suffering (rumination, avoidance, self-pity). Embrace the former while minimizing the latter.

10. Learn from the struggles and triumphs of great composers and artists

"Learning of the difficulty Tchaikovsky had in composing Souvenir de Florence was liberating for me. I realized that if the greats like Tchaikovsky suffer through emotional tribulations, then it is okay for mortals like the rest of us to endure them as well."

Universal creative struggles. Even legendary artists faced self-doubt, rejection, and periods of low motivation. Understanding their journeys can provide perspective and inspiration for our own creative endeavors.

Lessons from great composers:

• Persistence through self-doubt (Tchaikovsky)
• Overcoming the shadow of predecessors (Schubert, Brahms)
• Balancing commercial success with artistic integrity
• Finding beauty and meaning through personal struggle

Applying artistic wisdom. While we may not be composing symphonies, the lessons from these creative giants apply to any field requiring innovation, perseverance, and self-expression.

Last updated: May 28, 2025