Book Reflection: What Stoicism Can Teach Us About Leadership (and Ourselves)

At Co-Create, we believe leadership isn’t just a title—it’s a daily practice. That’s why one book has stayed close to our desks, journals, and coaching sessions: The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman.

It’s not a book you finish. It’s one you live.

With 366 short reflections rooted in ancient Stoic philosophy, the book offers modern wisdom for living with virtue, resilience, and perspective—three things every leader needs in their toolkit.

Let’s break it down:

The 3 Pillars of Stoicism

1. Perception – How we see and frame the world“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” – Epictetus

   
   

2. Action – What we do with what’s in our control“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” – Marcus Aurelius

   
   

3. Will – How we endure what we can’t control“You have power over your mind—not outside events.” – Marcus Aurelius

   
   

If these ideas feel familiar, it’s because they’re deeply aligned with how we coach at Co-Create. We believe leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up—again and again—with intention.

Why This Matters for Leaders

Stoicism teaches us to:

• Focus on what we can control.

• Let go of what we can’t.

• Lead with courage, justice, and humility.

• Reframe obstacles as opportunities for growth.

That last one? It’s a big one.

“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” – Marcus Aurelius

Obstacles become the path. That’s leadership.

How to Apply It

Here are a few ways to bring Stoic habits into your leadership:

• Start your day with reflection – Ask: How can I show up with clarity today?

• Journal on challenges – “How does this obstacle apply to my current situation?”

• Lead by example under stress – Equanimity is contagious.

• Focus your team on effort, not outcomes – What’s in their control? What isn’t?

• Use prompts in 1:1s or team meetings – Try: Where are we letting assumptions shape our reactions? What could shift if we reframed them?

The Bottom Line

Leadership is a long game. A slow-drip shift from reaction to reflection. From chaos to calm. From control to clarity.

If you’re looking for a reset this season, pick up The Daily Stoic. You won’t find a finish line—but you will find a deeper way forward.