The aim of my workstation assessment sessions is to make work more enjoyable, in the broadest sense of the word. As I’m an ergonomist, of course ergonomics is often the main topic. But in many cases the conversation also turns to other topics. Over the years, I have read and heard a great deal about, amongst other things, (mental and physical) wellbeing and work pressure. I usually have some useful practical tips for dealing with issues that my clients’ employees encounter.
If there is one subject I have focused on in particular over the past five years, it is Stoicism. In my personal life, I have found it incredibly helpful to view things from a Stoic perspective, for example when my mother fell ill unexpectedly a few years ago and passed away suddenly.
I found Massimo Pigliucci’s books particularly useful. My favourite: A handbook for new stoics – with a new practical exercise for every week of the year. Whenever I find myself in a situation where I’m unsure whether I’ve reacted correctly, I pick up this book.
The more I read about the subject, the more often I tip Stoicism as a way of dealing with things like worrying or events that are beyond your control. Perhaps this article will inspire you to read a bit more about it!
What’s stoicism?
Stoicism originated in Greece around 300 BC. Philosophers such as Zeno, Epictetus and (Emperor) Marcus Aurelius believed that much of our suffering stems from our desire for things beyond our control, such as wealth, fame or what others think of us. The core idea is that we can only influence our own thoughts, motives and actions – and that is, in fact, all we should focus on.
You (probably) have less control than you think
The most important principle of Stoicism is knowing what you can and cannot control. You can control your effort, your moral choices and your response to difficulties, but you cannot control a situation itself; you cannot determine what others do, nor can you prevent bad things from happening.
By focusing your attention on the former and accepting the latter, you achieve apatheia – a state of calm that does not mean you feel nothing, but that you are not thrown off balance emotionally by external circumstances.
“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” – Epictetus
It took me quite a bit of time to even begin to grasp this principle. And I still secretly think I can control more than I actually can. Even the greatest stoics admitted (in books that are still highly entertaining!) that they constantly made mistakes. I find that, apart from the very simple principle, this is also the appeal of the philosophy: you will never become a perfect Stoic, but you can strive to be one. And it’s applicable in almost any situation!
“We suffer more often in imagination than in reality”– Seneca
II think stoicism is highly applicable in work situations, because so much happens there that is beyond your control. Instead of worrying about a jammed printer, management decisions or criticism from colleagues, you could focus on what is within your power: your communication, your attitude and how you deal with problems. A lot of office stress comes from trying to control the uncontrollable. I’m convinced that someone who approaches office life with a stoic mindset is unlikely to suffer from burnout.
Let me know what you think and send me your favourite Stoic quotes (bonus points if you come up with one yourself!) via sanne@deskguru.nl 🙂