Stoic Wellbeing

Have you ever wondered why the richest countries on Earth consistently rank so high in anxiety and depression? 

Research says this is because we’re so overstimulated by instant gratification that our brains never feel satisfied and become increasingly unhappy in the quest for more. We’re literally addicted to pursuing pleasures that will never satisfy us.

The cure to this man-made misery? Self-control. 

The Stoics knew 2,300 years ago that the key to a tranquil and virtuous life lay in their ability to discipline their desires – and modern science backs this up. 

In this episode, I’ll coach you on how to master your mind so you can start experiencing more vitality and true joy on a permanent basis. Self-mastery is self-love.

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? 

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

Ever been cut off mid-sentence and feel a whirlwind of emotions – frustration, anger,  embarrassment? Why do we take interruptions so personally, and how can we use Stoicism to handle them with grace?

I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel, and in this episode, I dive into effective communication and mindset strategies that will help you be seen and heard. By the end, you'll be equipped to handle interruptions confidently, communicate effectively, and enjoy life with more wisdom and less anxiety.

https://sarahmikutel.com/

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? 

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

What do courage and resilience truly mean?

This Memorial Day, I reflect on the incredible bravery of the 'Greatest Generation' during World War II, drawing inspiration from my visits to historic locations such as Auschwitz and Churchill's War Rooms in London. 

From blackouts to rationing, the everyday experiences of European civilians during WWII serve as a testament to human resilience. 

In the film Saving Private Ryan, a dying Captain Miller says to Matt Damon's character: "Earn this." He was also speaking to us.

We have a responsibility to earn the lives that other people died for. In this episode, I talk about how we can do this by showing up as Stoic leaders and embodying courage, wisdom, moderation, and justice in our own lives. 

By giving ourselves space to think and show up as our best selves, we can strive to live a life of meaning that honors the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation.

https://sarahmikutel.com/

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? 

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

Have you ever noticed how our thoughts and reactions can create unnecessary stress, or cultivate empathy and understanding for others?

On a recent flight to Florida, I was reminded of the power of perception and emotional resiliency.

I share the story of passengers clapping after a smooth landing, the reactions of those around me as a father rushed to exit the plane, and how the simple words of a child turned turbulence into an exciting adventure.

Inspired by the wisdom of Epictetus, we'll discuss how to be more emotionally resilient by challenging our first impressions and choosing more rational thoughts.

sarahmikutel.com

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? 

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

Do you have a philosophy that you live your life by?

My guest today thinks you should — and so do all the Stoics who came before her.

I’m speaking with Brittany Polat, author of Tranquility Parenting: A Guide to Staying Calm, Mindful, and Engaged and  Journal Like a Stoic: A 90-Day Stoicism Program to Live with Greater Acceptance, Less Judgment, and Deeper Intentionality.


She’s also a steering committee member of Modern Stoicism, and co-founder, along with Eve Riches, of the nonprofit Stoicare, which “aims to share Stoicism with everyone who cares about people and the planet.”

We discuss the importance of having a life philosophy for yourself before you can hope to influence other people — especially kids. We also talk about how to cultivate more positive emotions in your life; how to be more mindful; how to fit reflection into your day, and more. 

As you’re listening to this conversation, think of one thing you want to start implementing to live a more harmonious life.
 
 https://sarahmikutel.com/

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? 

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

What would life be like if we felt more happy connections with people on a regular basis? How can we embrace the wider world and bring people closer to us, even if for a few moments at the seaside? 

Oikeiosis

Stoics believe we are all citizens of the world, part of one global community. This is Stoic cosmopolitanism. 

The Stoic philosopher Seneca said: 

“Our relations with one another are like a stone arch, which would collapse if the stones did not mutually support each other, and which is upheld in this very way.” Seneca, Letter 95, Tao of Seneca

Just like each stone in an arch depends on the strength of the others to maintain its stability, we human beings are part of a harmonious system meant to support one another.

Stoics believe meaningful connection is important to our wellbeing, and for society as a whole. 

We’re here on this Earth to take care of one another, and this starts with taking care of ourselves. I’ve talked previously about the Stoic concept of the circles of concern, which describes our relationships to everyone, including ourselves.

https://sarahmikutel.com/

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? 

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

Harvard researchers have been studying what makes people happy for decades. 

Since 1938, they’ve been following the same people, and then their families, to learn more about what makes a good life. This is the longest-running study of its kind involving hundreds of people across different walks of life. JFK was even involved when he was a student. 

So what did they discover in this happiness survey? 

Money, fame, and awards don’t lead to long-term happiness. Here’s what does — good relationships.

Think about a trip you took a few years ago. A vacation or time abroad or in a new city that you really loved. What do you remember? 

When you first got home and a friend asked, “Oh, how was your time away?” chances are you recited the things you did. But years later, when you think of that trip, you remember your interactions with people, those you were traveling with and also complete strangers.

The key to the good life is developing good relationships and being open to encounters with everyone.

And there’s both science and magic behind why.

https://sarahmikutel.com/

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? 

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

I’m hosting a 2023 Goal-Mapping Workshop on Jan. 14. It’s free and a replay will be available for a few days after if you register in advance. 

This isn’t a lecture – it’s a very interactive session. You’ll:

• Create a vision for your year that aligns with your values and priorities
• Break down your big goals into manageable tasks that don't overwhelm you
• Develop a plan of action to stay on track and avoid procrastination
• Prioritize your tasks and projects in a way that helps you stay focused and motivated
• Overcome obstacles and setbacks in a way that allows you to stay true to your values and goals

You'll leave this workshop with a clear and actionable plan for the year ahead. And you'll have the tools and strategies you need to stay focused and motivated, no matter what life throws your way.

What: 2023 Goal-Mapping Workshop

When: 10 a.m. EST, Jan. 14

How long:  60-90 minutes

Where: Online – you’ll receive a link closer to the date

How: Book your space here

Around January 1, we set goals that we intend to keep. But most of us break these vows before the month is over – why? What’s the real reason people won’t change? And how can we use Stoicism and modern psychology to start?

To truly be free and move forward, we need to cultivate helpful thoughts and let go of unhelpful ones. This is how we become resilient and learn to flow with life instead of fighting it. 

But what if you’re not even aware of your unhelpful thoughts? 

I’ve talked about different ways to uncover your blind spots on this podcast, and today you’ll learn about a new one from Harvard’s Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey, authors of the book Immunity to Change. 

sarahmikutel.com

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? 

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

What does Auld Lang Syne mean and why is its message so important?

Find out in this episode.

Also, Happy New Year! What are your intentions for this year?

https://sarahmikutel.com/

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? 

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.