Always Ask Yourself This Question: Is This Necessary?

Say Hello

This week I’ve been thinking about how much of life we fill with unnecessary thoughts, actions, and distractions. Marcus Aurelius reminds us that peace of mind doesn’t come from doing everything—it comes from doing only what is necessary, and doing it well. Too often, I find myself caught in cycles of overthinking, catastrophizing, and dwelling on the negative. Even with years of studying Stoicism, I still struggle to apply these lessons consistently in my life. 

I’ve noticed my habits have improved from a few years ago, yet I’ve grown stagnant in my progress. My mornings, once full of discipline, meditation, and exercise, have fallen into late nights and wasted hours. I cling to distractions, like media or conversation, to avoid facing the discomfort of my own thoughts. And when I do, I realize how much unnecessary energy I spend on things that don’t truly matter. 

Stoicism reminds me that my judgments create my suffering—not the circumstances themselves. Yet I often let emotions take control, allowing setbacks, regrets, and fears to shape my day. I see now how much unnecessary weight I’ve added to life, and how much freedom I could reclaim by asking the simple question: Is this necessary? 

This episode is about recognizing the unnecessary in our lives—thoughts, habits, and actions alike—and taking the first steps toward doing less, but doing it better. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t require perfection, and that even small, deliberate choices can gradually reshape our character, our peace of mind, and our sense of purpose.  

Key Stoic Takeaway:
Peace of mind comes from focusing only on what is necessary, and performing those things well—trimming the distractions, the self-criticism, and the unproductive habits that steal our time and energy. 

Thank you for listening and joining me on my journey of self-discovery!

Mediations and Prompts influenced from The Daily Stoic Books

Please if you enjoy this content checkout Ryan's work