Recent economic policies, particularly the imposition of tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, have introduced significant unpredictability into the U.S. economy – creating an effective trade war with both allies and enemies. The S&P 500 fell nearly 2% yesterday, reflecting investors’ concerns over potential impact on global supply chains, spending and profits. Meanwhile, on the employment front, CEO resignations have hit record numbers in the opening months of 2025. Nearly 100 companies have announced layoffs in March, and 15,000 store closures are anticipated in the retail sector this year. The market turbulence underscores a fundamental truth: uncertainty breeds volatility. So how can leaders adapt, cope and thrive during times of stress, anxiety and change? The ancient philosophy of Stoicism offers a fresh perspective in uncertain times.
Ancient Greek Philosophy of Stoicism Offers Insight into Dealing with Change
Today, leaders and aspiring leaders face unprecedented levels of upheaval. Navigating career turbulence requires a deeper understanding of the human operating system, so that you can show up at your best. Stoicism, an ancient philosophy, offers a timeless take on how humans are wired. When we align with how things work, on a human level, we can find wisdom regardless of our circumstances – because a little bit of genius is built into the operating system. If you’re dealing with stress, anxiety and uncertainty, there’s a profoundly simple approach that can help you to turn change into progress. Stoicism offers insights by focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot.
What Is Stoicism?
Stoicism, founded in the early 3rd century BC, is a philosophy that teaches the development of self-control, character and human understanding as a means to overcome destructive emotions. (In other words, dealing with stress, anxiety and uncertainty in a way that’s useful, effective and easier). Prominent Stoic philosophers include Epictetus, a former slave who became a renowned teacher; Seneca, a statesman and advisor to Emperor Nero; and Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor known for his work, Meditations. These thinkers developed Stoicism to help individuals lead virtuous lives in harmony with nature, based on their own experiences of life, ambition, challenge and resilience. The Stoics stressed the importance of focusing on what is within one’s control.
Marcus Aurelius stated, “It is in our power to have no opinion about a thing, and not to be disturbed in our soul; for things themselves have no natural power to form our judgments.” His message points towards the power of choice: we can always choose what we think about, and what we choose to ignore. He’s suggesting that we have the power to choose our reactions and thoughts.
In his book, The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday shares this key interpretation of Stoicism: “If we can focus on making clear what parts of our day are within our control and what parts are not, we will not only be happier, we will have a distinct advantage over other people who fail to realize they are fighting an unwinnable battle.” Holiday has written a series of best-sellers based on the work of the ancient Greeks, with provocative titles like The Obstacle is the Way and Ego is the Enemy.
Here are three Stoic guidelines centered around the concept of control:
- Acknowledge What You Can Control: Recognize that while you cannot control external events, you can control your responses to them. This mindset fosters resilience and reduces anxiety about unpredictable circumstances. Holiday says, “Some things are in our control, while others are not. We control our opinion, choice, desire, aversion, and, in a word, everything of our own doing. We don’t control our body, property, reputation, position, and, in a word, everything not of our own doing.”
- Accept What You Cannot Control: Understand that trying to control the uncontrollable leads to frustration. Acceptance allows leaders to maintain composure and make clear-headed decisions amidst chaos. Brigid Delaney, author of Reasons Not to Worry: How to Be Stoic in Chaotic Times, says she doesn’t beat herself up when she has an emotional reaction to circumstances – thanks to Stoicism. “It’s about keeping even, so that when you are knocked off course, you can get back on it quickly, by protecting our rational mind,” she says.
- Focus on Intentional Actions – and How You Show Up: Inside any circumstance, you have the ability to control how you respond. While it often seems like we are emotional creatures, driven to flights of frustration, fear and fancy by our circumstances, it’s actually our thinking that determines how we respond to the world around us. The future is a mystery, the past is history, so what can you control right now? That’s the key message from Seneca, who said “Two elements must therefore be rooted out once for all – the fear of future suffering, and the recollection of past suffering; since the latter no longer concerns me, and the former concerns me not yet.” Regret is double suffering, while worry about the future is a misuse of imagination. (Easy things to write, but harder things to internalize, I know). Moving from a state orientation (“how am I feeling about this?”) to an action orientation (“what can be done about this?”), means focusing on what you can control. You become the sum of your actions, not your emotions, the Stoics say.
Self-Leadership and Stoicism in Your Career
Reflecting on your own leadership journey, consider: What are you trying to control? Is this desire creating unnecessary stress? By shifting focus to areas within your control, you can alleviate self-imposed pressures and lead more effectively.
Stoicism transcends its ancient origins, offering universal insights into human behavior and resilience. You can control how you show up – that’s always within your control. By applying principles of Stoicism, leaders can transform challenges into opportunities, finding a sense of stability and purpose even in the most uncertain times.
To learn more about stress, go to stress.org.
ByChris Westfall , Contributor
