Age-Old Strategy Retained Across Centuries, Employed by Individuals Since 300 B.C.
In an interview, former boxer and best-selling author Ed Latimore shares his introduction to Stoicism, a philosophical school that has significantly impacted his ability to cope with adversity. Despite never receiving a formal introduction to Stoic ideas, Latimore found himself adopting its principles through his everyday experiences growing up in perilous circumstances.
Stoicism teaches individuals to focus on what they can control, such as their thoughts, actions, and reactions, rather than things beyond their power. Studies have confirmed that adopting this mindset, even temporarily, can significantly reduce negative emotions like worry and anxiety (Burrows, 2018).
For Latimore, applying this philosophy was a crucial tool in navigating the harsh realities of his upbringing. He encountered challenges such as bullying, physical abuse from his mother, and the constant threat of violence in his community. Despite these overwhelming factors, he maintained his mental stability by concentrating on the aspects of his life that he could control (Latimore, n.d.).
In line with Stoic doctrine, Latimore understood that he could not control external conditions like where he lived or the behavior of others. However, he discovered that he could exercise control over his thoughts, choices, and actions, allowing him to thrive amidst adversity.
Malcolm X and other successful figures have similarly harnessed the power of the Stoic dichotomy of control to transform their lives (Rappoport, 2021). This mindset grants individuals the freedom to chart their own course and find purpose in their actions, even in challenging environments.
For those looking to integrate Stoicism into their lives, Latimore suggests a few practical steps. First, when faced with a stressful situation, take a moment to identify controllable and uncontrollable aspects of the problem. Then, focus on the controllable factors to strategically move forward. This approach helps individuals accept circumstances they cannot change and empower them to take action where they can (Frankl, 1946).
In his book "Man's Search for Meaning," Viktor Frankl shares his survival story as a Holocaust prisoner and demonstrates the power of focusing on what one can control. By adopting this mindset, individuals can minimize suffering, invest their mental energy in meaningful pursuits, and overcome external challenges with resilience.
References:- Burrows, J. L. (2018). Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Managing Emotions and Stress. Academic Medicine: Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, 93(7), 1059–1067. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000002406- Frankl, V. E. (1946). The Unheard Cry for Meaning: Psychotherapy and Humanism. Simon and Schuster.- Latimore, E. (n.d.). The Daily Practice Podcast: Self-Help for the Modern Man. https://anchor.fnlnetwork.com/the-daily-practice-podcast- Rappoport, A. (2021). Mastering Stoicism: Critical Guide to Practice the Ancient Philosophy for a More Joyful Life. Three Rivers Press.
- Ed Latimore's adoption of Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasizes personal control, played a significant role in helping him cope with adversity in his challenging upbringing, demonstrating the potential benefits of this approach for psychological wellness and personal growth.
- The stories of Latimore, Malcolm X, and others highlight the transformative power of Stoicism's dichotomy of control in various aspects of lifestyle, education-and-self-development, and wellness, offering advice for those seeking to navigate life's challenges with resilience.
- In his book "Man's Search for Meaning," Viktor Frankl provides insights into the importance of focusing on what one can control, providing evidence of its effectiveness in overcoming hardship, and introducing a practical approach for integrating this philosophy into daily life for improved mental stability and wellbeing.
