The V.I.TA.L Fate Method of Stoicism and Business Life

Stoic business practices, the new business model.

It’s not a new concept; the stoic mindset has been around for centuries, at least since the days of ancient Greece and Rome. A mentor at work recently shared with me some insightful practices introduced by Marcus Aurelius, the famous Roman emperor known for his significant contributions to stoic philosophy and the stoic lifestyle he led so wisely.

He also mentioned the notable author Donald J. Robertson, whose works on Stoicism and its practical applications have now made their way onto my reading list. We can definitely delve into that topic later, as I'm eager to explore his ideas further.

The main focus of our conversation was the intriguing idea of control—particularly how a professional must recognize when circumstances are beyond our control. It’s essential to understand that we must learn to manage our responses in a way that aligns with the energy we receive from external situations and challenges.

A little before information, Marcus Aurelius is remembered as one of the Five Good Emperors, marking the culmination of an era known for its just and capable rulers. After his death, his son became the catalyst for a challenging period that deviated from that legacy. However, rather than discussing the historical downfall of governance of the Roman Empire, our goal is to explore the rich practices of Stoicism and how we can effectively apply these principles in our everyday business practices.

From my understanding, there appears to be several key components of Stoicism that we should consider: Virtue, Control, Emotions, Living Fate, and Acceptance.

"Don't sweat the small stuff... unless it's your morning coffee, then maybe sweat a little, but not too much."

Besides looking at this great image of a man that ruled a good chunk of world let’s play with acronyms V.I.T.A.L. Fate, and use this as our guide in this share.

Virtue is the first and most VITAL Fate - (man, this is getting cheesy a bit, sorry about that. I couldn’t resist). How we manage our day to days requires constant decision making. With each decision we have to analize each value we have with a critical comb and subconsciously it takes a toll. The mission here is to create a few rules that must always be followed. Constantine the Great “thinking is the great enemy of man”.

Invocations and/or Emotions follows the main rules to follow V.I.T.A.L Fate - I cannot say enough about emotions and the role they play in our lives. Understanding the triggers in every situation should is a basic covenance to having a real conversation. I feel when we run out of good arguments we revert to aggression to solve the debate.

Total Control, or controlled control, is next in V.I.T.AL. Fate - Understanding that control is an illusion and everything is really influence is the game changer. Because reality is constructed immediately before the next unknown moment control is out of our understanding and physical abilities. Influence is however in our abilities.

Understand Your Purpose! Live Your Life!

Acceptance, boy this one is the roughest. There is no easy way for this to happen. Without scientific research and going on a hunch, I’m betting that acceptance is tough because of the neuro pathways that have been written during the experience, so erasing the past cannot happen, and acceptance only writes new pathways, unless you get into government brainwashing techniques.

Living a V.IT.A.L. life is the best solution for the rest of your life. No hidden secret here, wait there is one.

Live to be happy. Mind you, being happy is no easy task. Being happy is the torture beholden to us for having a an evolved brain. Evolution or the creator decided the desire for free will means to pursue conflict and excitement, that excitement which causes neuro-pathways to develop, is doomed to need excitement and drama but we don’t want it. It’s cruel really. Then happiness is within the drama and excitement, so sitting still, idle, will solve nothing and reward us with nothing. Reflecting on your happiness will be the secret to your happiness.

Was that helpful, I guess not. Stoicism and all that. Is your happiness in my control? Nope. But I hope I can influence it.

Fate is the final gut punch of stoicism, if you believe in that. Or if you believe in the invisible hand involving itself in you life that’s cool too.

The important thing is that I believe in you.