11 Stoic Secrets To Better Habits

Small adjustments, good systems, the right processes-that’s what it takes.
The Stoics had a word, arete, which was the ultimate expression of human greatness-moral, physical, spiritual. It’s what the Stoics were chasing. It’s what you’re chasing today. Here are some Stoic secrets to better habits that Ryan Holiday is taking in the new year.
But how do we get there? Well, it requires a certain philosophical approach. Because brilliance and inspiration and skill are not enough.
Excellence isn’t this thing you do one time. It’s a way of living. It’s fundamental. It’s like an operating system and the code this system operates on is habit. As you stare down the barrel of a new year, the question is: if you aren’t going to cultivate good habits now, when will you?
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00:00 Intro
00:56 1. Think small
02:00 2. Join a program
02:33 3. Decide who you want to be
03:42 4. Create a routine
04:38 5. Lay out your supplies
05:26 6. Associate with people who make you better
06:28 7. Develop the muscle
07:19 8. Free up precious resources
08:21 9. Use physical reminders
09:19 10. Binge on good habits
10:13 11. Pick yourself up when you fall
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[@DailyStoic]

Get your life on track with the Habits for Success, Habits for Happiness course: www.dailystoic.com/habits/

[@gregorykelly8000]

How do I get invited to dinner party?

[@lisaallwood7336]

@@gregorykelly8000 1

[@favritzapp]

I started 7 Atomic Habits at the start of 2021 and it was my best year yet! One page a day turned into 39 books read including 6 by Holiday, 3 reads of Meditations, and many more from your reading list!

[@lizandro7728]

I’m proud of you. W year 👏

[@favritzapp]

@@lizandro7728 This comment is so appreciated! Happy Holidays ☺️

[@conversationcorner1837]

I was just sent this book. Looking forward to making best use of it.

[@BloomByCC]

WOW! So cool to hear about successes.

[@mrmarcus6901]

You inspire❤️

[@joshuathomas1847]

"We do not rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systems" I think it was James Clear from Atomic Habits, but I have always related this quote closely with Stoic Philosophy.

[@FinnyC]

Hey, I thought it was, "We do not rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training" - Archilochus Tim Ferriss quotes that one sometimes.

[@tyronefrielinghaus3467]

I think I prefer the 'systems' quote🙂. Kinda speaks to me more .... But nice to know the actual quote as well.

[@conversationcorner1837]

I am going to read that book.

[@corwin32]

Damn right. I’m a dietitian. The MOST common question I get is, “What’s the best diet?” and my answer is always, “The one you will follow”.

[@truenorthaffirmations7049]

100%

[@1981menso]

I'm on the cookie diet this month.

[@Tracker5111]

Im on the see-food diet - said a Dad, somewhere Lol

[@Mr_Chode]

@@Tracker5111 how's that diet work? Lol

[@sethbriars2042]

I’m fat, pathetic, possibly weakest person mentally that has existed.

[@qualityquotes229]

Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one. -Marcus Aurelius

[@jackjack4412]

wow!!

[@theironforce3000]

Came for the Maiden T - stayed for the deep messages

[@ericfrasier4045]

Tip of the hat to you.

[@privateequityguy]

*“Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement” - James Clear*

[@ericpatino5536]

Sharing stoicism wisdom while sporting an "Iron Maiden" shirt -- what a legend!! and most importantly THANK YOU for sharing all these videos. They help me profoundly and motivate me to keep learning and at some point to adopt this great philosophy.

[@69erthx1138]

I was thinking the same thing, Epic! "Put your old self in the iron maiden... Awesome! Execute your old self...NOT bogus!"

[@theliver1613]

Ryan: the Nicko McBrain of stoicism.

[@averagejoe3885]

I recently read Ego is the Enemy after discovering your channel, and my mindset has drastically improved since. I plan to continue reading your work and following your ventures. Thank you Ryan for shedding light on stoicism in a world that could so desperately benefit from its principles. You’re the man

[@truenorthaffirmations7049]

Definitely a game changer

[@ImprovementGang]

"One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind" - Neil Armstrong It can be a small step for your current self, but a giant leap for potential you.

[@wanderingfinds2268]

I get a tattoo every 1-2 years and I think about the a quality or virtue I want to cultivate for that year. The first one I got was a thunderbird with the thought (I want to create/will things into being/change my reality) and another year I got a feathered serpent (wisdom, creativity, resurrection / the ability to bring my "self" out of the realm of the dead without the parts of me that hinder me aka my deadwood) and I think that mindfulness helped me change my life (4 years now I went from nothing to building a company with 70 people on my payroll)

[@classicvibes7529]

Ryan was and is still a "METALHEAD" 🤘 Thanks you for introducing me to stoicism and it is really helping me to live life greatly ..

[@Booster85]

Small steps is the way forward! I can truly agree with this

[@truenorthaffirmations7049]

Action after action kicks being inactive ass

[@danielamusan3936]

Well being is realized by small steps, but it's no small thing. I love this quote, I put it up on my school walls. Stoicism was a good help last year. Thank you Ryan

[@virgnthermostat5928]

Using stoicism while working in construction is a Godsend.

[@melissahoots5179]

I get so much value from your videos! Thank you for your hard work. Also, love the Iron Maiden shirt 🤘

[@formisfunction1861]

"Grease the wheels of the habit..." = Gold!

[@noremac4807]

Thank you. I’ve bought the book Atomic Habits and it’s hard to realise how I’ve mostly failed in this area and how it has affected my life. It almost feels too hard at 55 to deal with this now. Lost my mental health over the past few years and trauma over the past year, so really hard to find the energy and motivation to climb my hill, but I know I have to…for the sake of my family and children

[@IFYOUWANTITGOGETIT]

Stoicism is the philosophy of processing the signals and filtering noise of existence.

[@sglittlefield]

One thing I've learned from your books, videos, emails, podcasts, etc. Is the number of different ways in which a Stoic quote can be reinterpreted and applied. The first time I heard Ryan do it, I was like "what the hell? That's not what he said last time!" but now it has become a challenge and source of inspiration to try and rethink and reapply these ancient lessons. Thank you.

[@tirlo8485]

Thank you . Great advices. From italy 🇮🇹

[@marcellamelville214]

Nearing the end of my first year following the daily stoic journal and I am happy to say this has been one of the most prolific years of my life. The way i accept my failings, the way i navigate my life and the way I see myself have finally fallen back into the rhythm i thought i had lost forever. But i found it because i had you to lean on, Ryan. Thank you!

[@JoelAWeiss]

That is fabulous.

[@conversationcorner1837]

Did you experience any tangible results ?

[@eulabergado6927]

Hi Marcella, I just recently found this channel so please excuse my ignorance. Is that journal something I can buy or is there a format to follow? Thank you 😊

[@bobbycecere1037]

Your number 2, Working a program Because you can't currently trust your own thinking and motivations is What I've been doing for a year now. I have a borderline personality disorder, I find it difficult to choose a direction. My moral compass is likewise all over the place. I joined a couple of 12 step fellowships and started using their principles as guide posts. Right now, I'm doing better than I've ever done in my life.

[@FrocketGaming]

I agree with small steps but some people, like myself, are obsessive and once a decision for change is made there is no going back, only moving forward.

[@The_lupo_]

“All you need are these: certainty of judgment in the present moment; action for the common good in the present moment; and an attitude of gratitude in the present moment for anything that comes your way.” -MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 9.6

[@wenilynpastolero]

I just saw this video and I'm a fan of stoicism since the start of the pandemic when I discovered it. Thank you for this video and more power. Much love from Philippines

[@BanjoSick]

Metal and Philosophy grow from the same tree. Great Maiden shirt!

[@ShawShank-kr9wq]

I’m always open to hearing philosophical ideas from anyone wearing an Iron Maiden shirt 🤘🏻

[@aethrya]

I'm only two days into listening to your shit and it's already helped me. Thanks man. This is empowering in a way I haven't experienced before.

[@LilRedHeidiHood]

So important 🙌🏼 no matter how small a positive change seems, it’s a huge step in an overall better place!

[@WastedYears76]

Nice Iron Maiden shirt. I also love that Ryan has quoted lyrics from Rush and Metallica on the Daily stoic podcast this year

[@lauracoccia8623]

Thank you Ryan for the wisdom and encouragement. I am in several groups and I love the positive energy we reflect off each other. Simple changes. Thanks....rock on in the Iron Maiden shirt!!

[@emiliocarb]

Great content but an additional thumbs up for the Iron Maiden t-shirt

[@ianmacrae4963]

Always enjoy listening to Ryan speak on Stoicism and good habits. At this point in my life I mostly know what to do and how to do it, but reminders and inspiration are requirements for me to stay the course. God bless Ryan Holiday and everyone out there trying to be the best version of yourself. That is all you can really do. Don't be so hard on yourself if you are trying your best. We all judge and fail, but continue to rebound and stay the course.

[@damianmurray99]

Unluckily.. watching this on the 2nd of Jan! Good luck to those doing the 30 day challenge. 👏

[@truenorthaffirmations7049]

A legendary attitude. Over the mountains and beyond the sun

[@joedavis4150]

At the end of the year, I don't say, I'm going to try to be better next year. I say this every day, every hour.... every second.... celebrating the new year is someone else's game.

[@truenorthaffirmations7049]

Get better is my clock!!

[@jackjack4412]

I totally agree. I've had about 4 restarts this year after getting knocked off my plans. Restarting as soon as possible is helping me.

[@jordanwilliams8040]

Number 3 is great. "I don't do that" period. No matter how I "feel" or whatever the temptation is I'm sticking to what I promised myself

[@fynworld]

Iron Maiden T-Shirt - check, Stoicism explained clearly - check, Life changing advice - check Fantastic

[@redsangay]

Purest video I’ve watched all day

[@lemoynelaytonable]

Fantastic , helpful, and genuine video as always Ryan. Thank you!!!

[@etcetera3282]

The four virtues: courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom

[@davidwirth2716]

I just finished reading Atomic Habits , little changes compound. Thanks again Ryan for another great message, keep them coming!

[@therichbuddha3277]

Thank you Ryan. Happy (contented and fulfilled) New Year.

[@mirzafarazbaig8945]

Thank you Ryan, you really take good care of your viewers. It resonates in your videos. Big fan of your work.

[@elenaschreiberlmft9053]

This is so, so wonderful Ryan! Thank you so much for continuing to share this ancient wisdom as well as your own journey and experiences as a stoic with the rest of us. It helps more than you know! There are so many golden nuggets from this video I will use to help myself and the people I work with as a therapist. I lend out your books all the time. 🙂

[@enjoyette]

love your content! so much wisdom here!

[@johnnysalter7072]

Ryan is what a capitalist's should be, Like Adam Smith talked about: honest, hard working, providing a product that helps so many people. "There is a law in psychology that if you form a picture in your mind of what you would like to be, and you keep and hold that picture there long enough, you will soon become exactly as you have been thinking." William James

[@imanhamid_]

Enjoyed listening to this, thank you Ryan🙏

[@louisramirez5827]

Thank you, for your time and wisdom, I started Stoic about a year ago and the changes are remarkable.

[@eblackshaw]

Really enjoying the daily emails. Thanks

[@chickenortheeggphotography]

"If wish to improve you have to be willing to not know about some things...." oh man, if only i had learned this at a younger age. How happier I would've been and led my life. But the fact is now that I have learned that, I can live the rest of my life with that in mind, and that is a beautiful idea. Thank you Ryan for your content! It's truly changed my life.

[@tyronefrielinghaus3467]

Thank you Ryan. Saved video to rewatch again. Your advice is so timely for me. Thanks for having the chapter breakdown ..that helps to go back to a particular point. You've really turned me on to Stoicism as a modus operandi for daily life. Tyrone from South Africa, Johannesburg.

[@ytvideos101]

Thanks for sharing and have a Happy New Year as well!

[@andydufresne299]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@DiogoAndrade30]

Thank you!!!

[@peaceloveandunity1434]

Listening , thinking and trying each day to live better with these words of such wisdom, thank you ✌️💞

[@mdabdurrazzaks4242]

Great video. Thank you brother... ❤️❤️❤️

[@matthewmclaughlin7472]

What a fantastic video. Sending love to all.

[@ClayAdams]

Really like this channel, thanks Ryan

[@dj_farmer]

Excellent video. Great content and inspiration. Thanks and Happy New Year!

[@jillmcaleese6514]

I love the film inserts as you talk. It kept my interest going. It must be much harder to make the video this way. Thankyou, you’re a good example. London

[@emp9413]

Love this one!! Thanks needed this today great summ up of the week's lessons :)

[@napoleonsolo5761]

Just started my stoic journey a couple weeks ago and man, this is something I wish I started in my 20s. Lol

[@truenorthaffirmations7049]

I feel you on that! Better late than never.

[@benkrapf]

And LOVE both not doing it sooner and choosing to pursue it now. :) Amor Fati.

[@RayDickulous80]

Thank you! All great points. One that I have particularly practiced the last year and a half: "Associate Yourself With People Who Make You Better." I insist that the self must consciously become one of these people.

[@dariuschmieliauskas]

I really value the work you do, helped me to pick up myself several times. Thank you for that!

[@boosqueezy2418]

i truly enjoyed this. gonna look more into it, for sure for sure

[@alexreynolds5396]

He’s got a gift the way he talks

[@Fatima_316]

Ryan, your videos and your books have genuinely helped me so much in the last 5 months of 2021, and even now in 2022. Thank you for making such amazing content that inspires so many of us. You're a gem.

[@Kelly_Ben]

Just learned about the philosophy of stoicism, and your channel. Looking forward to delving deeper into it and becoming the best version of myself that I can be.

[@Wizard_Of_Self]

Wow. This video came on my feed at the perfect time. I was doing so well on maintaining better habits and feeling better mentally the last few months. Then something happened that got me pretty low and I slipped on my healthy behavior for a few weeks. The last few days I’ve been doing better, but seeing this just really recemented all of the healthy mindset I had been practicing. Thank you so much for making these videos and sharing your knowledge Ryan!

[@jimalix6270]

I love the content of your video, but I also love the *way* you present it! You're clearly energetic and personally committed to what you're saying. And the videography is also captivating! So...thanks!

[@mauisean007]

Thank you for this video. I needed this. It may save my life. Sounds dramatic, but I'm being truthful. I gotta start doing that. Being truthful to myself of myself

[@mitchellthomas5921]

My father always told me “birds of a feather flock together” Very true. Love the videos. Keep it up!

[@LogicalConclusions]

Awesome Iron Maiden t-shirt! Great content as well!

[@InspiringThings101]

You are an inspiring human Ryan.

[@huntermetz2659]

Thanks Ryan.. Thank you.

[@LifelongLearningwithScott]

Really good, helpful channel! Thanks!

[@molmer2380]

Excellent..."I don't do that anymore"

[@arhansen85]

This is great! Thank you.

[@desuka5758]

I know is really too late to find this video but I’m grateful that i found this. Thank you so much for making video like this. I’m so glad and i hope you always make more good videos 🎉😊

[@matthewhambone3577]

Keep up the great work thank you for everything you do much love from Oregon 💯

[@sounddiv]

Thank You

[@tiantuatara]

A few months ago, I lost my Facebook account. So glad I did. Now, instead of doom-scrolling while I eat breakfast, I read (Kindle app on my computer). Poetry of Zen, 30 Days of Mindfulness, and now Stillness is the Key. Much better habit.

[@ellen5397]

this is great - I like the idea about laying out your supplies, my co-worker always put her gym bag in her car to work out early in the morning and it worked

[@foxtrotnow]

Wonderful content. Thank you Ryan. Subscibed.

[@brewman5563]

Thank you Mr. Holiday

[@HUMAN_ANALOGS]

Showing some love for Iron Maiden!

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

Look at that piano display !!!!! ❤

[@edalmata]

Thank you.

[@dotpace7284]

Thanks so much! This helps tremendously! I've always been interested and impressed by the Stoics and Stoicism...I'm in the process of "re-inventing"myself!

[@hustlemadec9985]

Can't tell you how much this helped

[@andymercedes8388]

Thank you

[@reggaespiritdance]

Great tips as always

[@mahari7285]

Awesome writer, excellent speaker...and YES, he' s wearing an Iron Maiden shirt...made my day! 😊

[@eduardor0605]

I enjoy a lot these videos ♥️

[@imjohnny08musicstation93]

Hello Ryan, always watching while in trafic

[@brettmartelli9668]

Great videos.

[@anibalbalelo7227]

Amazing work, beautiful t-shirt. Rock on!!