Stoic practice · 3–5 min

Making All People Your Teachers

Remove the sting from criticism and examine what is useful.

Use when: criticism, defensiveness, feedback

How the practice works

1. Name the situation What criticism did you receive?
2. Remove the story Restate it without tone, motive, or sting. Is any part true?
3. Record what you notice What would you change if a trusted, wise mentor said the same thing?
4. Choose the next action What correction, question, or release is yours?

Primary source: Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.21; Epictetus, Enchiridion 33