Everyone wants to be successful. We’re all chasing it—reading books, following the so-called “blueprints,” listening to anyone who promises to spill the secrets of “winning at life.”

And you know what? It makes sense. Success leaves clues, right? So, we look to history’s heavyweights: Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, the Stoics. These guys had it figured out. Seneca was one of the wealthiest men in Rome. Marcus? He ruled the damn world.

But here’s the problem: most people completely miss the real Stoic strategy for success.

Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “Good fortune is what you make for yourself.” Sounds like a classic motivational poster, doesn’t it? The kind of thing business gurus love to slap on a PowerPoint slide about grinding, hustling, and “making your own destiny.”

Except that’s not what Marcus meant.

He wasn’t talking about crushing your KPIs or manifesting millions. What he was saying was this: Good fortune is good character. It’s good intentions. It’s good actions.

Think about that for a second.

Success, to the Stoics, wasn’t about what you had—it was about who you were. It wasn’t about racking up achievements or stacking cash. It was about showing up every single day with integrity, kindness, and courage.

Now, I get it. In today’s world, that might sound… underwhelming. We’re surrounded by people who look like they’re “killing it”—flashing their cars, their trips, their perfectly curated lives. It’s easy to look at that and think, “If only my life was like that.”

But here’s the question: are they really killing it?

I’m not saying those people aren’t doing well. Some of them are. But let’s not confuse flashy with fulfilling.

Real success? It’s the parent who spends time with their kids instead of chasing the next big thing. It’s the entrepreneur who treats their team with respect and builds something meaningful. It’s the everyday person who does the right thing because it’s right—not because someone’s watching.

So, what if we flipped the script on success? What if, instead of chasing more, we started focusing on better—better character, better actions, better intentions?

Because the truth is, no amount of external success will ever make up for a life lived without integrity.

Reflection: What kind of success are you chasing? And more importantly, what kind of person are you becoming along the way?

Hit reply—I’d love to hear your take. And if someone in your life is stuck chasing the wrong kind of success, forward this along.

Until next week,

Broden Johnson