Mastering Emotional Intelligence: A Stoic Guide to Overcome Self-Sabotaging Behaviors

In running your own business, emotional impulsiveness can become your greatest obstacle to success. As the Stoics taught, it's not events themselves that disturb us, but our judgments about them. When we let these judgments—rather than rational thought—drive our decisions, we often find ourselves straying from our intended goals.

I have to confess something: I never took philosophy in school, and honestly, I wasn't really interested in the subject. To me, it seemed like just a bunch of old teachings that had no relevance to modern life. However, my perspective completely changed when I stumbled upon some YouTube videos about Stoicism.

Through these videos, I discovered that the words of ancient philosophers aren't just dusty old theories – they're incredibly practical tools that can help us navigate today's challenges, both in business and personal life. What really caught my attention was learning that many successful business owners actively apply Stoic principles to make better decisions for their companies.

This personal journey from skepticism to appreciation has shown me that wisdom truly is timeless. These ancient teachings have become an unexpected but valuable compass in my entrepreneurial journey.

Understanding Emotional Impulsiveness Through Stoic Wisdom

Marcus Aurelius reminds us that emotional impulsiveness isn't just about quick reactions – it's a pattern that can significantly impact your business's trajectory. The good news? Ancient Stoic wisdom, combined with modern strategies, offers a path forward:

🧘‍♀️ Practice mindfulness to build emotional awareness, remembering Epictetus's teaching: "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters"
⏸️ Implement the pause-and-reflect technique before making crucial decisions, following Seneca's advice to "count to ten" before responding
👥 Seek guidance from mentors and trusted peers, as the Stoics valued wisdom from those who came before

The Stoic Path to Emotional Management

Success in business requires more than strategic thinking – it demands the kind of emotional intelligence that Stoic philosophers championed centuries ago. While emotions are natural responses, the Stoics taught us that we have the power to examine and manage them rather than being ruled by them.

Consider this Stoic perspective: When facing a tight deadline, instead of letting anxiety take over, remember that pressure is merely an opportunity to practice virtue. Tools like deep breathing and journaling (similar to Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations") can help you process emotions constructively and maintain focus.

Practical Techniques for Stoic Emotional Balance:

🏃‍♀️Establish a routine with regular physical activity, embracing the Stoic principle of self-discipline
🙏 Practice daily gratitude exercises, following Epictetus's advice to "be satisfied with what you have"
🤝 Join supportive business communities, while maintaining the Stoic balance of self-reliance and social responsibility

By developing these emotional intelligence skills through a Stoic lens, you'll create a more balanced approach to your work, focusing on what's within your control and accepting what isn't. This approach has transformed my own business journey, and I'm confident it can do the same for you. The principles are universal, and when applied consistently, they set you up for long-term success.

HEY, I’M FRÉDÉRIQUE

But call me Fred.

Born in France to entrepreneurial parents, I've been calling Vancouver home since 1993. As a certified ICF coach and bilingual professional, I bring a unique perspective to my work. My professional journey led me to own a web design company for 17 years. In 2016, I transitioned into business coaching, leveraging my extensive experience to guide others.

Through this blog, I aim to create a space where small business leaders can reflect on their paths, gain insights, and find support in making crucial decisions. My goal is to share my experiences and knowledge to help you think critically about your business journey and empower you to lead with confidence.