So make a practice at once of saying to every strong impression: ‘An impression is all you are, not the source of the impression.’ Then test and assess it with your criteria, but one primarily: ask, ‘Is this something that is, or is not, in my control?’ And if it’s not one of the things that you control, be ready with the reaction, ‘Then it’s none of my concern.’ (Epictetus, Enchiridion I.5)

Review your recent emotional responses. What made you angry? What nagging fear continues to wear at you? To whom do you have antipathy? In short, what negative emotions are you experiencing? Now ask yourself “why?” If virtue is sufficient for fulfillment, why are you feeling anything other than serenity? To what inappropriate impression have you assented? What virtue have you lacked to allow this disharmony into your “inner citadel”?

If there is an area of particular concern, start keeping a count of those incidents when it has raised its ugly head. Often, just measuring a thing goes a long way towards fixing it. Just knowing that, for instance, you lost your cool and yelled at the teenager four times this week. Or that you snacked twice when you’d promised yourself you wouldn’t. It’s not a judgment, it’s just a number. But there are reasons behind the number, and you can work with those.

If you are interested in learning more about Practical Stoicism, you can visit the parent post here.