The Lawyer’s Well-Being Brief… 5 Stoic Principles to Guide Your Life and Career in 2026
“It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.”-Marcus Aurelius
Welcome (back) to the Lawyer’s Well-Being Brief! Each week, I try to share insights and practical strategies to help us cultivate well-being and thrive — both personally and professionally. Live well! Lawyer well!
As we start 2026, it’s tempting to chase bold resolutions, dramatic changes, and perfect plans. The Stoics would suggest something quieter — and far more powerful: clarity, discipline, and control over what truly matters.
Stoicism isn’t about suppressing emotion or withdrawing from ambition. It’s about directing our energy toward what we can influence, building resilience, and living with intention. These five Stoic principles offer a timeless framework for navigating both life and career in the year ahead.
1. Control What You Can, Release What You Can’t
Epictetus’ core teaching remains as relevant as ever:
“Some things are up to us and some things are not.”
In 2026, uncertainty will continue to be part of work, leadership, parenting, health, and relationships. Outcomes, opinions, markets, and other people’s choices are beyond your control. Your effort, preparation, attitude, and response are not.
Application:
At work: Focus on quality effort and consistent habits, not external validation or promotions you can’t force.
In life: Invest energy in daily behaviors — sleep, movement, learning, connection — rather than worrying about future scenarios.
Peace and progress come from aligning your energy with what’s actually in your hands.
2. Live According to Your Values, Not Your Emotions
Stoics believed emotions are natural — but dangerous when they become your decision-makers. Acting from impulse often leads to regret, burnout, or misalignment.
Instead, Stoicism asks a simple question: Is this action consistent with who I want to be?
Application:
Before reacting, pause and ask: What would my best self do here?
Build a short list of personal values (integrity, effort, patience, courage) and use them as your compass in difficult moments.
In 2026, let values — not moods — drive your leadership, communication, and choices.
3. Practice Voluntary Discomfort to Build Resilience
Stoics regularly practiced discomfort — cold, hunger, simplicity — not as punishment, but as preparation. The idea was simple: if you can handle less, you won’t fear losing more.
Application:
Choose small challenges: early mornings, difficult conversations, focused work without distractions.
Periodically simplify — less noise, less consumption, fewer commitments.
By willingly facing discomfort, you build confidence, adaptability, and calm when real challenges arise.
4. Measure Success by Effort and Character, Not Outcomes
Marcus Aurelius reminded himself that doing the right thing is enough — even if the result falls short. Outcomes are influenced by many variables. Character is yours alone.
Application:
Define success as showing up prepared, present, and honest.
After setbacks, ask: Did I act with discipline and integrity? If yes, you’re still winning.
In your career especially, this mindset prevents bitterness and keeps you focused on growth rather than comparison.
5. Remember: Time Is Your Most Precious Resource
The Stoics were relentless about one truth: life is short, and wasted time is the greatest loss.
Seneca warned that we are not short on time — we are short on attention.
Application:
Audit how you spend your days. Are your habits aligned with what matters most?
Say no more often. Protect deep work, rest, and meaningful relationships.
Let 2026 be the year you treat your time with the seriousness it deserves.
A Stoic Way Forward
Stoicism doesn’t promise ease. It promises strength.
If you enter 2026 focused on what you control, grounded in your values, resilient through discomfort, steady in effort, and respectful of time — you won’t need perfect circumstances to thrive.
You’ll already have what the Stoics believed mattered most:
a calm mind, a strong character, and a life lived on purpose.
Forward Always!
