Stoicism, the ancient Greek philosophy of controlling emotions and focusing on the present, can seem like an odd choice for entrepreneurs to apply to their work. Still, Stoicism has helped many successful business leaders overcome obstacles and confidently make difficult decisions.
According to Bill Schantz, Stoicism can help entrepreneurs overcome problems more effectively and make more rational decisions that benefit their business over the long term.
Here are four ways how Stoicism can help entrepreneurs by Bill Schantz.
Bill Schantz Discusses 4 Benefits of Ancient Wisdom for Modern Success
1. Prepares for the Worst
Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. As per Bill Schantz, it takes grit, determination, and a thick skin to weather the ups and downs of the business world. But even the most successful entrepreneurs will experience hardships and setbacks at some point. This is where Stoicism can come in handy. Stoicism is the philosophy that the best way to deal with difficult situations is to remain calm and rational.
By remaining stoic in adversity, entrepreneurs can maintain their composure and make clear-headed decisions. By preparing for the worst, entrepreneurs can be better equipped to deal with whatever challenges come their way.
2. Increases Acceptance
Entrepreneurs are certainly no strangers to adversity. Whether it’s the challenge of building a successful business from scratch or the day-to-day difficulties of running a company, there’s always something that can seem impossible. According to Bill Schantz, it’s easy to get bogged down by negativity and start feeling like giving up.
However, Entrepreneurs can benefit from the Stoic philosophy, which teaches that one should accept what is unfavorable and work to change what is within their control. By accepting that some things are out of their control and focusing on the things they can change, entrepreneurs can stay positive and keep moving forward even when times are tough.
- Adds A Sense of Perspective
As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget about the bigger picture. That’s where Stoicism comes in. It can help you to maintain a sense of perspective. When things are going well, it’s easy to become arrogant and think you’re invincible.
However, remembering that success is never guaranteed can help you to stay humble and appreciate what you have. Similarly, when things are going badly, Stoicism can remind you that this shall pass.
In other words, Stoicism can help keep your cool when the going gets tough, an essential quality for any successful entrepreneur.
Bill Schantz Recommends Learning From Stoic Teachings
Although Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy, it still influences contemporary culture today. At its core, Stoicism says that we should be more concerned with responding to things than with what’s happening around us, which would otherwise be outside of our control. It teaches us not to let our emotions get the better of us and to be satisfied with what we have—a mindset that entrepreneurs must learn to succeed in the business world.