The pace of technological change can definitely feel overwhelming, even for people like me who work in tech. Between constant notifications, endless updates, and the pressure to keep up, it’s easy to feel like the world is moving faster than we can manage.

But what if ancient wisdom could help us cut through all the noise and find clarity in this chaos? Stoicism, a 2,000 year old philosophy, might have the answers we need.

The Basics of Stoicism

At its core, Stoicism focuses on one basic idea:

Separate what you can control from what you can’t.

This just sounds like common sense, right? But how often do we waste time and energy stressing about things outside our control? The Stoics believed that by focusing only on what’s within our power (our thoughts and actions), we could find peace of mind.

Stoicism has definitely gotten more popular in recent years. Why? It’s practical. We live in times where life sometimes feels unpredictable and overwhelming, people are turning to timeless Stoic principles like resilience, perspective, and living in alignment with virtue. These ideas aren’t just abstract philosophy, they’re tools for everyday life.

Applying Stoicism to Everyday Life

So, how does this ancient philosophy fit into a modern, tech-driven world? Here are a few practical examples:

1. Dealing with Constant Notifications
   Our attention is one of the few things we can truly control. Instead of letting endless pings and notifications dictate your day, practice intentional focus. Turn off non-essential notifications, or be like me and just turn of all notification. Set boundaries, and remind yourself:

   You control your attention, not your apps.

2. Managing Career Uncertainty
   Tech moves fast, and in this day and age job security can feel fleeting especially with the recent tech layoffs. Stoicism teaches us to embrace impermanence. Change is inevitable, so instead of fearing it, prepare for it. Invest in lifelong learning, adapt, and trust in your ability to react to challenges.

3. Reframing Failure
   The Stoics believed that failure isn’t the end, it’s a stepping stone. Every setback is an opportunity to grow. Missed a promotion? Lost a client? Try to shift your perspective. What can you learn from this, and how will it make you better? One of my biggest breakthroughs came from analyzing a failed project, identifying gaps in my approach, and applying those lessons to future projects. This has become a regular practice for me. When something doesn’t go the way I hoped, I reflect on the experience and look for ways to improve for next time.

Technology and Stoicism

Some of today’s best productivity tools align well with Stoic principles. Time-blocking, for example, is basically the art of controlling your schedule. Focus apps? They’re tools for mastering your attention. Even the growing trend of digital minimalism feels like a modern take on Stoic values, removing distractions to focus on what actually matters.

One habit I’ve picked up and stuck with is time-blocking. Every night, I plan out the things I want to get done the next day using an app called Morgen to block out time for each task. It helps me stay focused and ensures my day feels intentional, not reactive. For me, this ties directly to the Stoic principle of focusing on what’s in my control, which has boosted my productivity and helped me avoid overwhelm.

Practicing Stoicism in the digital age doesn’t mean getting rid of technology, it means using it intentionally. By aligning our tech habits with our values, we can reduce stress and regain a sense of control.

Your Stoic Challenge

Stoicism is timeless because it’s practical. It gives us the tools to thrive in any era, even one driven by constant change and innovation.

If you’re thinking about giving Stoicism a try, start small.

Here’s a simple challenge:

For one week, practice the “Evening Reflection.” Each night, take 5-10 minutes to ask yourself:

1. What did I do well today?
2. What could I have done better today?
3. How can I improve tomorrow?

Notice how shifting your focus changes your perspective. You may find yourself less stressed, more productive, and better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.

Or you may just find it’s a complete waste of time  ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Regardless, mastering the chaos of a tech-driven world isn’t easy, but with some ancient wisdom, it’s definitely possible.