By Patrick Cahillane – Life, Executive & Business Coach with One Source International Coaching and Training & Founder of The One Source Business Network
The Stoics did not specifically speak about business, as it was not a concept in their time in the way it is today. However, many of the Stoic principles can be applied to business and entrepreneurship. Here are a few examples:
- Focus on what you can control: The Stoics believed that we should focus on what we can control and accept what we cannot. In business, this means focusing on the things that are within our control, such as our own actions and decisions, rather than worrying about external factors that are beyond our control.
- Embrace challenges: The Stoics believed that challenges and adversity were opportunities for growth and learning. In business, this means embracing challenges and setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than becoming discouraged or giving up.
- Cultivate resilience: The Stoics believed in the importance of developing resilience and inner strength in the face of adversity. In business, this means cultivating a mindset of resilience and persistence, and developing the ability to bounce back from setbacks and failures.
- Practice self-control: The Stoics believed that self-control was a key component of living a virtuous life. In business, this means resisting the temptation to make impulsive decisions or indulge in behaviors that are not in our best interests.
- Cultivate a sense of community: The Stoics believed in the importance of cultivating a sense of community and social responsibility. In business, this means building strong relationships with customers, employees, and other stakeholders, and being mindful of the impact of our actions on others.
These are just a few examples of how the Stoic principles can be applied to business and entrepreneurship. By applying these principles, we can cultivate a greater sense of inner peace, resilience, and purpose in our work.