Steps of Stoicism: Embracing the Journey

Small Strides, Big Leaps: The Art of Progress Through Discomfort

“I cannot express how important it is to believe that taking one tiny—and possibly very uncomfortable—step at a time can ultimately add up to a great distance.” —Tig Notaro

How's it going? I hope you're doing well. Today, I want to chat about a pretty cool idea that Tig Notaro shared: the power of taking small steps, even when they're a bit out of our comfort zone. Now, you might be wondering, "What's this got to do with Stoicism?" Well, quite a bit, actually. So, let's break it down together, shall we?

1. Start Small: In Stoicism, there's this idea that we should focus on what's in our control and let go of what isn't. When you're facing a big goal or a daunting task, it might feel like it's all too much, right? But here's the thing: every journey starts with a single step. Think of it like eating a pizza – you don't gulp it down in one go (at least, I hope not!). You take it slice by slice. So, break down your big scary goal into tiny, manageable pieces. Each small step you take is a piece of your goal "pizza."

2. Embrace Discomfort: Now, these steps might not always feel great. Stoicism teaches us that discomfort isn't something to shy away from. It's like going for a run in the rain. Sounds unpleasant, right? But once you're out there, splashing through puddles, you might find a kind of joy in it, or at least a sense of achievement. Embracing a bit of discomfort can lead to growth and resilience. It's all about pushing your boundaries, one tiny step at a time.

3. Celebrate the Small Wins: You know that feeling when you finally clean out that drawer you've been avoiding for months? It's just a drawer, but it feels like a victory, doesn't it? That's because it is. Every small step you take deserves recognition. Celebrate those moments. It's the Stoic way of acknowledging progress and reinforcing your commitment to your path.

4. Keep the Big Picture in Mind: While focusing on the small steps, don't lose sight of the forest for the trees, so to speak. Remember why you started this journey. Imagine a mosaic – up close, it's just tiny bits of coloured stone, but step back, and you see a beautiful picture. Your small steps are those bits of stone, adding up to the grand image of your goal.

5. Stay Present: Stoicism is big on living in the present. Worrying about the future or dwelling on the past isn't just unhelpful; it's outside our control. Focus on the step you're taking right now. It's like when you're walking your dog, and it stops to sniff every lamp post. Be like your dog (in this context, at least) – fully present in the moment, taking it one step, or sniff, at a time.

Incorporating these Stoic principles doesn't have to be a monumental shift. It's about the little changes, the small steps, that add up over time. And remember, it's okay if those steps initially feel a bit uncomfortable. That's where growth happens. So, what's your first small step going to be?