Most of us spend a ridiculous amount of time trying to control things that are completely out of our hands.

We stress over how others see us.
We agonize over the future.
We try to force outcomes in our careers, relationships, and businesses—like if we just push hard enough, we can make everything go exactly as we planned.

Spoiler: We can’t.

The Stoics, especially Epictetus, were crystal clear on this: most of life is outside your control. You can’t dictate how people act, what the market does, or whether the universe decides to throw a wrench in your plans. But what can you control?

• Your reactions – You can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you respond.
• Your mindset – You decide whether setbacks destroy you or push you to grow.
• Your choices – You can’t change the past or guarantee the future, but you can act with integrity right now.

Epictetus put it simply: “Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle. Some things are within our control, and some things are not.”

Most of our suffering comes from fighting this reality. We grip tightly to what we wish we could control instead of focusing on what’s actually in our hands. It’s like trying to control the weather—no matter how much you stress about the storm, it’s still going to rain. The only thing you can do? Grab an umbrella and get on with it.

Imagine how much lighter life would feel if you stopped trying to control the uncontrollable.

What if you let go of micromanaging outcomes and instead focused on making the best decisions you can in the moment?
What if you stopped worrying about how others perceive you and instead focused on just being a good person?
What if you quit trying to force the perfect plan and instead learned to adapt with resilience?

There’s freedom in letting go. The less you try to control what you can’t, the more energy you have for what actually matters.

Reflection: Where in your life are you clinging to control? What would happen if you let go and focused on your response instead?

Hit reply and let me know. And if someone in your life is struggling with trying to control the uncontrollable, forward this along—they might need the reminder.

Until next time,

Broden Johnson