Your boss yells at you. Your partner leaves you. The economy crashes. Most people panic. But the Stoic? The Stoic does not blink.
Being "cold" isn't about having no emotions. It's about having Mastery over them. Here is how to become an immovable rock in a chaotic world.
Rule 1: The Dichotomy of Control
There are two things in life:
1. Things you can control (Your thoughts, your actions).
2. Things you can't control (Traffic, the weather, other people's opinions).
Stop crying about category #2. It’s a waste of energy. If you can't change it, accept it immediately and move on.
Rule 2: Negative Visualization
Every morning, imagine the worst thing that could happen today. Imagine losing your job. Imagine your car breaking down.
Why? Because when bad things actually happen, you won't be shocked. You will be prepared. And if they don't happen? You will be grateful.
Rule 3: Pause Before Reacting
When someone insults you, they are handing you a "ball of fire." You have two choices:
A) Catch it and burn your hands (React with anger).
B) Let it drop to the floor (Ignore it).
Silence is the best insult. It shows them that their opinion has zero value to you.
Become Dangerous
A person who cannot be triggered is a person who cannot be controlled. Be dangerous. Be Stoic.
