The Daily Stoic – Brad Stulberg On Mastering Change With Science And Stoicism

Intro

Welcome to the Daily Stoic Podcast, where we bring you ancient wisdom for everyday life. In this episode titled “Brad Stulberg On Mastering Change With Science And Stoicism,” Ryan Holiday talks to Brad Stulberg, author of “Peak Performance” and “The Passion Paradox,” about strategies for success and finding peace in the face of constant change.

Main Takeaways

The Stoic Perspective on Change

• Change is a natural thing, and nothing natural is evil.
• Everything is born from change, and there is nothing nature loves more than to alter what exists and to make new things like it.
• Everything good in life has come from change, yet we spend most of our time trying to keep things as they are.

The Prevailing Model of Change

• The prevailing model of change is homeostasis, which says that systems crave stability.
• A pair of scientists coined allostasis, which says that a system starts its stability, there’s some sort of change or disruption disorder, and then it gets back to stability, but that’s stability somewhere new.
• We resist change, we avoid change, this is our counter to change narrative.

Historical Narratives and Resistance to Change

• Resistance to re-evaluating historical narratives may stem from a need for grounding in our history.
• Studying history can provide perspective on current urgent and unprecedented events.
• Humans have always been on the cusp of some new scary thing, and the same questions and issues arise with each change.

Acceptance and Skillful Action

• The first step in addressing any change is acceptance, but acceptance alone is not enough.
• Ancient wisdom traditions point to accepting impermanence and taking skillful actions.
• Dichotomy of control: focus on what you can control and respond skillfully to what you can’t.

Tragic Optimism and Flexibility

• Tragic optimism is an acceptance of suffering in life.
• Being attached to results doesn’t necessarily mean you care more.
• Growth mindset is beneficial for most changes, but not all.
• Rugged flexibility is essential for individual identities and sense of self over time.

Parenting and Lifestyle Choices

• Having kids should change you, not the other way around.
• Making lifestyle choices is crucial to being a good parent.
• Parenting requires conceiving of oneself as an interdependent self and doing everything possible with the independent self to create that environment.

Summary

The Stoic Perspective on Change

According to Stoic philosophy, change is a natural and necessary part of life. It is through change that new things are created and progress is made. Instead of resisting change, we should embrace it as a catalyst for growth and improvement.

The Prevailing Model of Change

The prevailing model of change, known as homeostasis, suggests that systems seek stability. However, a more accurate model, called allostasis, recognizes that change is an inherent part of achieving stability. By understanding this, we can better navigate and adapt to the changes we encounter.

Historical Narratives and Resistance to Change

Our resistance to re-evaluating historical narratives may stem from a need for stability and grounding in our history. However, studying history can provide valuable perspective and insights into the challenges of change. By recognizing that humans have always faced and overcome new and daunting challenges, we can find reassurance and guidance in navigating current changes.

Acceptance and Skillful Action

Acceptance is the first step in addressing any change, but it must be paired with skillful action. Ancient wisdom traditions, such as Stoicism, emphasize the importance of accepting impermanence and focusing on what we can control. By taking skillful actions and responding effectively to the changes we cannot control, we can navigate change with resilience and wisdom.

Tragic Optimism and Flexibility

Tragic optimism is the acceptance of suffering in life while maintaining a positive attitude. It is not about denying or avoiding the hardships of change, but rather embracing them as opportunities for growth. Flexibility is key in navigating change, as it allows us to adapt and respond skillfully to the ever-changing circumstances of life.

Parenting and Lifestyle Choices

Being a parent requires making conscious lifestyle choices that align with your values and support your role as a caregiver. It is important to view parenting as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation, rather than expecting children to conform to our existing identities. Creating a nurturing and supportive environment for our children involves making choices that prioritize their well-being and development.

Conclusion

Change is an inevitable part of life, and embracing it with acceptance and flexibility can lead to personal growth and resilience. By understanding the Stoic perspective on change, we can navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life with wisdom and grace. Whether it’s adapting to new circumstances, re-evaluating historical narratives, or making lifestyle choices, embracing change allows us to thrive and find fulfillment.