The Dichotomy of Control

Hey friends,

Sorry about being late but I had a lot going on yesterday and I am not perfect.

This week I had a music exam and as soon as it ended and even during it I was thinking about everything that went wrong and what I could have done differently. Then I thought of the Stoic Principle "The Dichotomy of Control". Here is how it is defined by "The Stoic Age" website

The dichotomy of control is the Stoic idea of separating things that are within our control, and things that are outside of our control. It goes something like this: Things that are within your control: your thoughts and actions. Things that are outside of your control: everything else.

Here are 3 frameworks you can use to implement it

1. "The 10 rules"

Whenever you are confronted with something that is causing you stress ask yourself "Will this be important in 10 minutes". Most likely the answer will be yes, then ask "Will this be important in 10 hours" If the answer is yes again ask "Will this be important in 10 days". For most people, the answer will be no by now so you just stop getting stressed about it but if you want to go on the extreme side you can ask "Will this be important in 10 years". If the answer to that is yes you've got a bigger problem and you should stop worrying and start solving it. You can also do 10 months if you like

2. "The Double Stress Principle"

If you are worrying about something before it happens you are only putting extra hassle on yourself for no reason because for all you know whatever you are worried about may not happen and if it does why would you cause yourself double the pain by worrying about it before as well.

3. The Serenity Prayer

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; ​
​and wisdom to know the difference." is also a great prayer you can say to yourself to help internalise "The Dichotomy of Control".

I hope this Stoic Principle helps you as much as it helps me.

Have a great week!

Conor

❤️ My Favourite Things This Week

  1. Music Exams - Ironically enough this was one of my favourite things this week as it was an enjoyable experience that taught me some things but they are a story for another day.
  2. Holidays - We are now on holiday for Easter which is always welcome.

✍️ Quote of The Week

Focusing exclusively on what is in our power magnifies and enhances our power.

-The Obstacle is The Way, Ryan Holiday.