A Hard Winter Training

Say Hello

In today’s episode of Navigate the Day, I’m reflecting on one of Epictetus’ reminders: 

“We must undergo a hard winter training and not rush into things for which we haven’t prepared.” – Discourses, 1.2.32

Life has a way of testing us when we least expect it. Epictetus reminds us that, just like an athlete, we can’t step into life’s arena unprepared. We need discipline, training, and the willingness to endure discomfort now so that when the storms come, we’re ready to face them with strength.

 
The truth is, I’ve been struggling with that kind of preparation lately. My discipline has slipped, my habits haven’t been as strong as I’d like, and I still let external events swing my emotions more than I want to admit. At times, I’ve leaned too heavily on relationships, routines, or fleeting comforts, instead of building resilience from within. That’s left me shaken when things go wrong and unsteady when fortune turns in my favor.

 
But here’s the hopeful part: every small choice I make today is a chance to train. Waking up earlier. Saying no to unnecessary distractions. Practicing patience with myself when I fall short. Even when it feels like I’m failing, the act of noticing—that moment of awareness—is part of the training. Preparing for life’s “hard winters” doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built in the daily grind, in the little acts of discipline, and in the decision to keep going even when I don’t feel like it.

 
The key Stoic lesson here is simple but difficult: the time to prepare is before the trial arrives. Comfort doesn’t strengthen us—discipline does. And while I can’t control what hardships the future may bring, I can train my mind, my habits, and my choices today so that I’m ready to face them.

 
So, as I reflect on my own struggles with discipline, attachment, and resilience, I’m choosing to see them not as failures, but as my training ground. This is my winter. And if I stay committed to learning, to showing up, and to practicing strength in small ways, I’ll be ready when the bigger storms arrive.

Thank you for listening and joining me on my journey of self-discovery!

Mediations and Prompts influenced from The Daily Stoic Books

Please if you enjoy this content checkout Ryan's work