☀️ Stoic Morning Minute: Your Emotions Aren't Facts

And Why That's a Good Thing

Author

Jon High
January 29, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

🎯 Today's Focus: Turning emotional triggers into growth opportunities

That moment when your coworker "suggests improvements" to your project in front of the whole team. Your face gets hot. Your jaw clenches. And suddenly you're crafting the world's most devastating reply in your head (which, let's be honest, you'll never actually say).

🏔️ The Stoic Take

"When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger."

- Epictetus

Look, Epictetus wasn't saying "blame yourself" here. He was giving us a genius hack for those moments when emotions threaten to hijack our brain. Because here's the thing: getting triggered isn't the problem. It's what we do in the next 10 seconds that matters.

⚡️ Your Action Plan (60 seconds)

  • When triggered: Name the emotion ("I'm feeling defensive")

  • Before responding: Take one full breath

  • Ask yourself: "What if this feedback is a gift?"

  • Bonus move: Thank them for the perspective (watch their surprise)

⚡ Your Quick Win

Next time someone criticizes your work, wait 5 seconds before responding. Just five. It's like a superpower switch for your brain.

You got this,

Jon