Self sufficiency the Stoic way

 

I often reflect on the idea that the “ideal wise man is sufficient unto himself in all things.” It’s a concept rooted in Stoic philosophy, and I’ve realized how relevant it is to my life and how I approach challenges, whether on the soccer field or in everyday situations.

I’ll start with a quote from Epictetus: “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” This perfectly captures what the Stoics mean when they say we should focus on what we can control—our thoughts, reactions, actions, while accepting that the rest is beyond us.

So, I’ve been asking myself: How much of my happiness and peace of mind do I really owe to external things? To the opinions of others or the circumstances around me? What would it look like if I could be genuinely content, no matter what?

When I first stumbled upon Stoic ideas, I was intrigued by this notion of self-sufficiency (autarkia). To the Stoics, it doesn’t mean rejecting relationships or avoiding society but finding peace and fulfilment within yourself, no matter what’s happening around you.

For me, it was eye-opening. The Stoics taught that true happiness comes from developing virtue and living with wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance rather than relying on things like wealth or external success. In fact, they believe the wise person doesn’t let external circumstances dictate their sense of well-being.

It reminds me that, at the end of the day, we can only control ourselves and how we think, act, and respond to the world. The rest—whether it’s the opinions of others or the events of the day—is beyond our control. And yet, we often allow it to shake us.

Here’s where it gets interesting for me: I see so many parallels between the wisdom of Stoicism and the mindset needed to succeed in soccer. Think about it: on the field, there’s always unpredictability, bad calls, harsh conditions, the pressure of the crowd. But I am not rattled by these things. Instead, I focus on what I can control:  skills, mindset, and response to each situation.

I think about the moments when I’ve felt most in control and remained calm during those high-pressure moments. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise, but the player who stays focused and grounded is the one who finds success.

To me, this is where Stoic wisdom shines in soccer. The idea that I’m responsible for how I react to the game, whether it’s a missed shot, an unfair call, or a rough tackle, reminds me that being self-sufficient doesn’t mean being unaffected by the world but rather choosing how I respond to it.

If you’re wondering how to start becoming more self-sufficient, I’ll share some practices that have helped me. It’s not easy, but the effort is worth it.

• Reflection & Journaling: I make it a point to journal daily (daily ya mpalla, but you can do it). I reflect on my day, how I reacted to things, where I let external factors control my mood, and how I can improve. It helps me become more aware of my reactions and reminds me that I can choose how to respond.

• Mindfulness: Being present is key. I’ve practiced mindfulness techniques to help me stay grounded, especially when things feel chaotic. It helps me realize that no matter what’s happening around me, my peace comes from within.

• Self-Examination: A simple question that helps me: What can I control, and what can’t I control? This question has been a game-changer when it comes to reducing frustration and staying focused on the things that truly matter.

• Learning from Setbacks: I think about setbacks in soccer or life as opportunities for growth. A missed goal or a failure at work is just another chance to examine what went wrong and learn from it. The wise person doesn’t get caught up in disappointment; they use it as fuel to improve.

I think of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher. Despite ruling over a vast empire, he found peace within himself, focusing on his own virtues rather than the chaos of the world around him. His writings in Meditations are a testament to how he remained grounded despite external pressures.

In soccer, players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi come to mind. Both are known for their mental toughness, discipline, and focus. They’re not swayed by what others say about them or by external circumstances. They’ve learned to master their craft and their mindset, and it’s clear that their internal strength has been key to their success.

 I’ve realized that the ideal wise person, one who is self-sufficient in all things, doesn’t mean shutting yourself off from the world. It means developing the inner strength to remain true to yourself no matter what the world throws at you.

For me, the path to this self-sufficiency is ongoing, but every small step toward mastering my mind and focusing on what I can control brings me closer to that ideal. It’s about being the soccer player who stays calm, the person who remains grounded in challenging situations, and the individual who, above all, is at peace with themselves.

So, I encourage you to ask yourself next time you face a challenge or a setback ask yourself: What can I control? Focus on that, and you’ll find that, with time, you too can become sufficient unto yourself in all things. 

---

Eishh, as Nietzsche said about morwa Goethe, "he has overcome his animal nature, organized the chaos of his passions, sublimated his impulses, given style to his character. Thus spoke Nietzsche about Goethe " he disciplined himself into wholeness, he created himself and became the man of tolerance, not from weakness but from strength, a spirit who has become free". 

NB: Stoicism is not a recipe for being a better sociopath, but for one to apply it in one's life to better it.......

Dankii mdalii

Ungang dontseli stulo bhoii mina'ngihl' ethembeni ............