The Daily Stoic: "This Is It, Isn’t It? | Circle of Control"

Host: Ryan Holiday
Date: January 13, 2026
Theme: Applying Stoicism in Real-Life Moments & Understanding the Circle of Control

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ryan Holiday explores the practical application of Stoicism, especially in moments of challenge and adversity. He reflects on the core Stoic principle—the "circle of control"—by drawing on classic teachings from Epictetus and relating them to modern-day experiences. The meditation encourages listeners to focus their energy and attention where it truly matters: on their own choices and mindset.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Stoicism is Meant for Challenging Times

• Resilience in Adversity: Stoicism isn’t just theory—it's a toolkit for real crises. The philosophy’s true purpose shines especially during moments of difficulty, uncertainty, or emergency.

• "This is what I trained for": Ryan references Epictetus's teaching that all Stoic training is meant for moments exactly like the ones we face now—this is the time to use those skills.

  Quote:

  “The whole point of stoicism was to be able to put ourselves in a position where whatever happened, we could say, this is what I trained for. But, well, that's what this is, isn't it? One of those moments. Now you get to use it. Now you must use it.”
  — Ryan Holiday (01:27)

2. Focus on What You Control

• The Circle of Control: Drawing from "The Daily Stoic" book and Epictetus, Ryan reiterates that the only true thing we control is our own mind and our choices.

• Letting Go of Attachment: Externals—such as possessions, body, other people—are outside our control. Stressing about these is wasted effort.

  Quote:

  “We control our reasoned choice and all acts that depend on that moral will. What's not under our control are the body...our possessions, parents, siblings, children, country, or anything else with which we might associate.”
  — (Epictetus, quoted by Ryan Holiday, 10:09)

  Quote:

  “The good news is that it's pretty easy to remember what's inside your control. According to the Stoics, the circle of control contains just one thing: your mind.”
  — Ryan Holiday (11:18)

• Simplifying Responsibility: The Stoic approach unclutters mental space—while others worry about a “mile-long list” of things they can’t control, you only need to manage your own choices and thoughts.

3. Resource Allocation—Energy on What Matters

• Energy Management Analogy: Ryan likens the circle of control to a “resource allocation” problem. Most people waste significant energy on things outside their control.

• The Ratio Challenge: Shifting just a small part of your focus from external events to what’s inside your control yields massive benefits.

  Quote:

  “If the typical ratio of a person is 50, 50...and you can get to a 60, 40, that's a huge advantage...It's more than a one point shift; it's an enormous shift.”
  — Ryan Holiday (13:39)

4. The Serenity Prayer Connection

• Wisdom Tradition Parallel: Ryan draws a connection to the Serenity Prayer often used in recovery circles—emphasizing acceptance, courage, and discernment between what we can and can't change.

  Quote:

  “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
  — Ryan Holiday (15:06)

• Universal Struggle: Even highly capable or "successful" people struggle to accept this division of control, which is humbling and universally relevant.

5. Personal Practice and Reflection

• Writer’s Example: Ryan shares how, as an author, he only controls his writing process—not the outcome, sales, or reception.

• Historical Humility: He reflects on Epictetus—despite his powerlessness in Roman society—focusing on his internal actions and choices made him powerful across history.

  Quote:

  “He made himself so powerful that his words echo down to us today, all these years later.”
  — Ryan Holiday (19:31)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This is it, isn’t it?...Now you get to use it. Now you must use it. Focus on what you control. Keep your cool, do the right thing, be brave, lead. Because if you're not going to do it now, when will you?”
  — Ryan Holiday (01:24)

• “There is clarity in this simplicity. While everyone else is running around with a list of responsibilities a mile long, things they're not actually responsible for. You just got that one item list...your mind.”
  — Ryan Holiday (12:50)

• “Not even your physical body is completely within your control...You could be struck with a physical illness or an impairment at any moment… But this is all good news, because it drastically reduces the amount of things that we need to think about.”
  — Ryan Holiday (11:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:00 – 03:00: Opening meditation—Stoicism’s role during adversity, "this is what I trained for."
• 10:00 – 13:00: Reading and unpacking Epictetus on control vs. externals.
• 13:00 – 16:00: Resource allocation analogy and the trap of wasted focus.
• 15:00 – 17:00: The Serenity Prayer, and its cross-philosophy relevance.
• 18:00 – 21:00: Ryan's personal application as a writer; reflection on historic Stoic examples.

Closing Thoughts

Ryan invites listeners to actively apply Stoic teachings in daily life, to direct all available energy to what truly matters: their own choices and mindset. In the face of external chaos or uncertainty, this internal discipline becomes a source of strength, fulfillment, and clarity.

Recommended Action:
Each day, ask yourself “What is in my control?” and devote your energies there—just as the Stoics and millions throughout history have done.