103 The simple Stoic practices to thrive in high-pressure situations
No. 103 – 5 Jan 2025
Welcome to the 103rd edition of the True Progress Newsletter, a weekly newsletter on enhancing clear thinking and upgrading resilience.
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Insights
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Anxiety thrives on surprises, but when you rehearse potential failures, you rob uncertainty of its power. Visualizing setbacks creates a sense of control and reduces the fear of the unexpected.
Fear is magnified by the unknown, but familiarity turns it into a manageable challenge. Practicing worst-case scenarios isn’t about negativity—it’s about preparation and empowerment.
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Death is life’s greatest certainty, yet accepting it transforms how you face every moment. When you embrace mortality, all other challenges seem smaller, less daunting, and easier to overcome.
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“If you want a man to keep his head when the crisis comes, give him training before it comes.”
— Seneca
Challenge
Face your fear.
Identify: Write down your top fear in a current personal or professional situation.
Schedule: Set aside one day this week to simulate your worst-case scenario. Live it out in a controlled environment (e.g., wear minimalistic clothing, eat simple food, or rehearse an uncomfortable conversation).
Visualize: Spend 10 minutes daily visualizing this scenario with vivid detail. Engage all your senses to make it feel real.
Reflect: Journal your thoughts after each session. Ask yourself, “Was this as bad as I imagined? What can I learn?”
Systems
Systemize reflection.
Add a 5-minute daily reflection to your productivity system.
Answer three prompts:
"What unexpected challenge did I face today?”
“How did I handle it?”
“What can I do differently next time?”
Regular reflection reduces emotional reactivity and builds resilience over time.
Book Recommendation
The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
If you’ve ever felt held back by worrying what others think, The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer is a must-read. 3 powerful reminders:
You are not your thoughts. They have to be vigilantly examined.
Energy flows where attention goes. Redirection is key.
Life happens for you, not to you. Each challenge is a chance to learn from it, not be defined by it.
Till next week,
— Carlos & Stef
