The Stoics harbored a view of "success" that's different from how most of us think of success.

For them, success wasn't attached to outcomes but was deeply rooted in the process, which meant that success was always within their control. In today's fast-paced world, we often hinge our self-worth on outcomes we can't control, setting ourselves up for inevitable disappointment.

Here's how you can use the Stoic definition of success to improve your odds of being successful.

The Stoic Archer: A Metaphor for Success

Consider the Stoic archer metaphor, which highlights the Stoic perspective on success.

An archer, having diligently practiced, can control his aim and the release of the arrow. But, once the arrow is in flight, he no longer has control over it. Factors beyond his control can influence its path.

This parable illustrates that while we can strive for excellence, the ultimate outcome may still elude our grasp due to unforeseeable variables.

Process Over Outcome

We control our intentions and actions, diligently preparing and executing tasks to the best of our abilities.

According to Stoic philosophy, this is where our focus should lie. The true measure of success is found in our effort and intention, not necessarily in the attainment of our goals.

This approach liberates us from the shackles of fate, ensuring that we define our success by parameters wholly within our grasp.

Shifting Perspectives: Success in the Stoic Sense

Let's apply Stoic wisdom to contemporary scenarios, such as aspiring for a promotion.

Despite hard work and dedication, the decision may not always be in your favor due to variables beyond your control. By valuing the process over the outcome, you emerge successful regardless of the decision, because you've excelled in what was within your control. Similarly, in sports, despite rigorous training and strategic play, winning is not always guaranteed.

External factors can sway the game's outcome, emphasizing that while we strive for victory, our preparation and performance are the true indicators of success.

"Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens. Some things are up to us and some things are not up to us." — Epictetus

Goals Versus Systems

This idea first came into the productivity world in 2013, when Scott Adams wrote a famous blog post on the idea, as well as including it in his book, How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life.

Adams explains,

"For example, losing ten pounds is a goal (that most people can't maintain), whereas learning to eat right is a system…"

This delineation between goals and systems echoes the Stoic emphasis on process over outcome. Systems, or the daily habits and routines, are the stepping stones toward achieving our broader aspirations. They demand our focus on the present, ensuring continuous growth and progress.

This system-oriented approach ensures daily wins, fostering a sense of accomplishment and sustained motivation.

Embracing the Stoic Path to Success

By adopting a Stoic mindset towards success, we can redefine our journey, placing value on daily actions and personal growth.

This perspective not only enhances our resilience but also aligns our pursuits with our core values, paving the way for a fulfilling life. In essence, Stoicism offers a blueprint for living well, urging us to focus on what is within our control and detach from the unpredictability of external outcomes.

By internalizing this philosophy, we can navigate life's challenges with grace and emerge successful, by our own definition.

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