Stoic Quotes

 

                     Photo by Luan Albarracin

“Curb your desire—don’t set your heart on so many things and you will get what you need.” 

 Epictetus

 

Less Wanting, More Winning: The Secret to Getting What You Need

Is there a moment when you feel like life is playing hard to get? You chase after what you want—whether its money, love, that limited-edition sneaker drop—only to find that the more you want something, the harder it is to get? Well, my friend, it’s time to take a deep breath and embrace an ancient yet powerful wisdom above by Epictetus.

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It sounds counterintuitive, right? You might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t ambition supposed to be a good thing? Shouldn’t I be manifesting my dream life while making vision boards?” Sure, setting goals is great, but the problem arises when we let desire consume us.

The More You Chase, The More It Runs

Ever tried catching butterflies? If you run at it full speed, arms flailing about, it will just flutter its wings away in sheer terror. But if you remain still, minding your own business, the butterfly might actually land on your shoulder. Life works the same way. When you obsess over something—whether it’s a dream job, a relationship, or the perfect Instagram photo—you create stress, anxiety, and a desperate energy that actually pushes what you want further away.

Why Wanting Less Gives You More

We begin to feel as though we are constantly falling short when we set our hearts on too many things. "I need a new car." "I want a larger home." "The new matcha latte costs as much as a small island, but I have to try it." "MORE!" is constantly crying in our brains. The worst part is that we become less content with what we have the more we dwell on what we lack.

By curbing our desires, we gain three amazing things:

Clarity: You can genuinely concentrate on what is really important when you stop chasing after everything. Would a fun weekend vacation make you happier, or do you really need that fifth pair of sneakers?

Peace of Mind: Stress is decreased when needless desires are let go. You no longer feel as though you're always playing "catch-up" with life.


Surprising Wins: You frequently find that you obtain what you need in unexpected ways when you stop pushing things to happen. The Universe seems to be saying, "Oh, you're cool now? I have a small gift for your patience.

The Paradox of Happiness

Studies have shown that people who consistently pursue financial possessions are less likely to be happy than those who cultivate gratitude and contentment. Have you ever observed how an adult with the newest technology is still stressed while a child is having a great time playing with a cardboard box? That’s because happiness isn’t about accumulating more—it’s about appreciating enough.

How to Apply This Wisdom Today

Declutter Your Desires – Make a list of things you think you need. Then, ask yourself: “Will this really improve my life in a meaningful way?” If not, just let it go.

Practice Gratitude – Instead of focusing on what’s missing, appreciate what you already have. I truely believe you’ll feel instantly richer.

Trust the Process – Often times, when you stop chasing, things have a way of falling into place. So relax, breathe, and allow life to surprise you.

At the end of the day, the secret to getting what you need isn’t about wanting more—it’s really about wanting less. So go ahead, curb that desire, and watch how life patiently delivers exactly what you need—maybe even with free shipping!

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