Explore how our coaching methodology harmoniously integrates Stoicism and Positive Psychology to help you achieve your goals and flourish.
Philosophy and Science reflect each other.
Our approach is rooted in the evidence-based research of the science of positive psychology and the transcendent wisdom of the philosophy of Stoicism.
These two deep reservoirs of knowledge share common tenets, and ways of thinking (mindset) and being (action). We guide you in exploring the union of these perspectives, inviting you to adopt the mindset, practices and habits from which flows alignment of your actions with your values.
Positive Psychology and Wellbeing
Positive psychology research finds that leaders with a higher level of wellbeing are more successful in their vocation and exhibit more positive leadership behaviors, fostering a more positive work environment, boosting employee morale, engagement, and performance. Studies further link leadership wellbeing to improved team productivity and organizational success. Essentially, leaders who actively cultivate wellbeing set off a “ripple effect” that permeates their organizations and improves individual, team, and organizational outcomes.
Stoicism and Wellbeing
Stoicism teaches that our pursuit of wellbeing has a positive impact on others by encouraging us to cultivate virtues like kindness, justice, and compassion, which naturally lead to actions that benefit the community and contribute to the wellbeing of those around us. Essentially, by taking care of ourselves, we are better equipped to positively influence the lives of others.
“To separate philosophy from science is as unhelpful as divorcing the individual from the species: one does not function without the other.“
– REBECCA GOLDSTEIN, Cold Calculation
Exploring the harmony between philosophy and science invites us to discovery the common tenets, and ways of thinking and being that illuminate the pathway to inner harmony.
Stoicism and positive psychology converge on the importance of virtue, reason, and living in accordance with nature for achieving wellbeing. These core tenets are not only fundamental to Stoic philosophy but are also supported by research as crucial elements in building a flourishing life and achieving goals.
STOICISM
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
VIRTUE (areté)
Considered the highest good, meaning it is the ultimate goal and the key to living a fulfilling life; it encompasses qualities like wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.
Considers virtues to be the core, morally good character traits that form the foundation of a meaningful and fulfilling life: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence, each encompassing various character strengths that individuals can cultivate.
REASON (logos)
Believed in the rational principle that governs the universe (the logos) and that that living in accordance with reason leads to a virtuous and fulfilling life. Reason plays a central role as the guiding force for ethical decision-making, allowing individuals to live in harmony.
Emphasizes the importance of using reason to identify and focus on the positive aspects of life, using logic and critical thinking to cultivate optimism, meaning, and a sense of purpose, rather than dwelling on negativity; encourages using reason to build a more fulfilling life by leveraging strengths and positive experiences.
NATURE (phuseis)
Understood that the source of meaning lies in living in accordance with “nature” – essentially aligning one’s actions with the rational order of the universe, by cultivating virtue and accepting one’s role within the cosmic scheme, thereby finding purpose in contributing to the greater good and living in harmony with our nature and the world us.
Views meaning as a key component of a good life, and as a fundamental human need that can impact wellbeing. It defines meaning as acting in a way that aligns with your values and goals, and that contributes to your fulfillment and the fulfillment of those around you.
Stoicism provides a framework for navigating life’s challenges by emphasizing acceptance of uncontrollable events, acknowledging the fleeting nature of all things, and cultivating a more objective perspective on our emotional responses, thoughts, and the stories we create about ourselves. Research in positive psychology has demonstrated the positive impact of these ways of thinking on emotional well-being
STOICISM
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
DICHOTOMY OF CONTROL
Philosophical idea that separates things into two categories: what we can control and what we can’t. Stoics believed that Wisdom is the ability to turning focus to what you can control and let go of what you can’t.
Emphasizes the importance of accepting that certain things in life are outside of our control and focusing our energy on the aspects we can influence, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting a shift in perspective towards what we can actively change within ourselves and our actions.
IMPERMANENCE
Stoic teachings emphasize that all things are temporary and subject to change – whether it be life, emotions, circumstances, self-beliefs or possessions. By acknowledging this truth, we can lessen our attachment to external things and find greater inner peace.
The concept of impermanence as a key element for fostering happiness and wellbeing, suggesting that accepting the transient nature of life allows individuals to appreciate the present, navigate challenges with resilience, and avoid clinging to expectations.
PERSPECTIVE
The Stoic virtue of Temperance refers to moderation and self-control, meaning that a Stoic strives to not “react” to emotions, stories and self-beliefs by acting impulsively, instead choosing to respond to situations with reason and a balanced perspective, rather than being driven solely by their feelings.
Emphasizes the importance of actively managing emotions, and fact-checking self beliefs by embracing positive emotions, which can broaden your perspective, build resilience, and enhance overall well-being, while still acknowledging and processing negative emotions/thoughts in a healthy way.
Stoicism is a philosophy of action, dedicated to ethical ways of being. It encourages the active application of its principles in everyday situations, a practice that modern positive psychology has shown to be highly correlated with increased wellbeing.
STOICISM
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
MINDFUL
Accepts we cannot live in the past or the future; only the present. Emphasizes mindfulness, or being fully present in the moment, as a key to acting with virtue and wisdom. Believe that being mindful cultivates understanding of self and your responses to external circumstances.
Views mindfulness as a way to increase positive emotions and decrease negative ones. Mindfulness practices can help people become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, and can help them shift their focus from negative to positive emotions.
RESILIENT
Emphasizes focusing on what you can control – thoughts and reactions – rather than external events, allowing you to rebound from challenges by managing perceptions and responding with courage, wisdom, and self-control in the face of adversity. It’s not what happens to you, but how you choose to interpret and react that matters.
Suggests adopting a growth mindset which enables us to see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a sign of incompetence or something to be avoided. People with a growth mindset believe that their basic qualities can be improved through effort and learning from mistakes.
HUMBLE
Central tenet of Stoic philosophy, which is known for its non-materialistic perspective. Humility and kindness can help people avoid the dangers of pride.
Crucial virtue, playing a significant role in fostering positive mental health, strong social relationships, effective leadership, and overall well-being by enabling individuals to accurately assess their strengths and weaknesses, remain open to learning, and prioritize the needs of others over their own ego.
GRATEFUL
The Stoic virtue of Temperance refers to moderation and self-control, meaning that a Stoic strives to not “react” to emotions, stories and self-beliefs by acting impulsively, instead choosing to respond to situations with reason and a balanced perspective, rather than being driven solely by their feelings.
Emphasizes the importance of actively managing emotions, and fact-checking self beliefs by embracing positive emotions, which can broaden your perspective, build resilience, and enhance overall well-being, while still acknowledging and processing negative emotions/thoughts in a healthy way.
CONNECTED
Teaches we are inherently connected to one another and that treating others with Justice is a fundamental aspect of living a virtuous life, considering everyone as part of a shared “cosmic community” and emphasizing the importance of acting fairly and with empathy.
Emphasizes the importance of Relationships and social connections for well-being and mental health. People who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Moreover, studies show they also have higher self-esteem, greater empathy for others, are more trusting and cooperative.
COMPASSIONATE
Stoicism views compassion as a key aspect of living a virtuous life, encouraging individuals to act with kindness and help others without expecting accolades or rewards. Stoics essentially see acts of compassion as a natural extension of living in accordance with reason and the universal order (“logos”) by aiding others in their pursuit of virtue as well.
Positive psychology views compassion as a key element for well-being, highlighting its ability to foster positive relationships, enhance happiness, and improve overall quality of life; it emphasizes the importance of not only showing compassion towards others but also cultivating self-compassion, where one treats themselves with kindness and understanding.