Stoic practice · 3–4 min

The Reserve Clause

Act wholeheartedly while leaving the result to circumstance.

Use when: high-stakes events, outcome anxiety, goal setting

How the practice works

1. Read the frame An archer governs the aim and release, not everything that happens in flight. Give the action your care without demanding the result.
2. Name the situation What are you about to attempt?
3. Remove the story Rewrite the goal: “I will do ___ well — circumstances permitting the result.”
4. Record what you notice If the result is blocked, what virtue can you still exercise?
5. Choose the next action What part will you do carefully?

Primary source: Epictetus, Enchiridion 8; Cicero, De Finibus 3.22