My Five Pillars

Triglav III by Markus Pernhart

In my life, I have been lured into the illusion that achieving "greater goals" requires complex strategies and/or monumental effort. However, one of the aspects of Stoicism that appeals to me the most is the principle that greatness is built on the foundation of what we do daily. By focusing on what matters most—small, repeatable actions—we can create the clarity needed to handle big problems, and achieve challenging, monumental goals.

To keep my mind centered and my goals in sight, I rely on these five pillars, ordered by their impact on my life:

Journaling: The Morning Orientation

For several years, I have cultivated a journaling practice to start my day. It is an invaluable tool that allows me to look back at the day that has passed with a "Stoic eye"—evaluating my actions without judgment—and orient myself for the challenges ahead. It is an act of setting my internal compass for the day before the world tries to set it for me.

Music: The Magic of the Present

Music is one of the most magical things in life. To me, it is a reminder of the beauty available in the present moment. I cannot imagine a day without it; it serves as the soundtrack to my focus and a constant source of inspiration.

Movement: Ordering the Mind

I can tell immediately on the days I don’t make an active effort to move my body. Whether it’s a hike, a trip to the gym, or simply taking time to stretch, physical activity is essential for ordering my thoughts. As my body moves, the mental chatter tends to quiet, allowing me to order, organize, and better evaluate my thoughts.

Reading: Expanding My Perspective

The magic of books has never been lost on me. Reading remains the best method I know for gaining knowledge and, more importantly, perspective. It allows me to sit with the minds and ideas of others, while often reminding me that my struggles are not unique and that wisdom and perspective is always within the reach of a book.

Cooking: The Refuge of Creation

Since the pandemic, cooking has become my place of solitude and refuge. There is something deeply grounding about using my hands to create something nourishing and delicious. It is a sensory practice that demands I stay in the now, focusing fully on the task at hand.

I have discovered that when these pillars are in place, the "greater goals" my aspiring for in my life don't feel like burdens—they feel like the natural results of a well-ordered life. And when I neglect them, I become more vulnerable to the very intrusive thoughts and frustrations I work so hard to release. These practices don't just help me achieve my goals; they ensure that my goals are born from a place of intention rather than impulse. By focusing on these essentials, I am not just passing the time; I am building a life that is ordered, resilient, and profoundly my own.