Stoicism is ancient—born in the streets of Athens over 2,000 years ago, with philosophers like Zeno, Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius who shared a simple, timeless goal: help people live better lives by focusing on what they can control and accepting what they can’t. Although Stoicism has been around for millennia, its principles still resonate today, possibly more than ever. After all, life in the 21st century is full of distractions, pressures, and a tendency to overcomplicate things. Stoicism, with its age-old wisdom, has influenced society and shaped people’s lives by teaching calm resilience and guiding us to prioritize what truly matters.

So, how can we pursue what we really want without being sidetracked or overwhelmed? Here’s a look at prioritizing our desires with a dose of humor, Stoic wisdom, and some low-stress strategies.

1. Admit You Can’t Do It All (and That’s Perfectly Fine)

First, let’s just say it: you’re not a superhero, and that’s okay. Every time we convince ourselves we can be in two (or three) places at once, reality gently brings us back down to Earth. Recognizing limitations isn’t failure; it’s the wisdom that reminds you to pace yourself. Stoics, like Marcus Aurelius, taught that there’s strength in acknowledging our boundaries. So let go of the guilt that comes with a long list. Instead, focus on the next few most important things. There’s a certain peace that comes from narrowing down your attention to what’s truly valuable.

2. Separate What You Want from What You Think You Want

Sometimes, our “priorities” turn out to be society’s expectations or our own assumptions. Sure, it would be *nice* to bake sourdough bread from scratch or finally learn French—but do these genuinely resonate with you? Are they going to fuel your fire or end up just stressing you out? Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, taught that we should focus on what’s within our control and what we value, rather than seeking approval or conforming to others. So, write out your top goals, cross out anything that’s not exciting or fulfilling, and you’ll find a clearer path to what truly matters.

3. Create Small, Doable Actions

Big, vague goals are more likely to linger unfinished. If you’ve ever tried to set a New Year’s resolution like “get healthy” or “improve work-life balance,” you know how hazy goals can drain your motivation. Stoics believed in taking steady, daily action and focusing on progress, not perfection. So break down your priorities into small, manageable actions, like “walk for 10 minutes daily” or “put my phone away after 8 PM.” One small action a day is more effective (and less daunting) than tackling everything at once.

4. Say No to Something… and Don’t Look Back

If you’re overwhelmed, there’s usually at least one thing you can let go of without regret. It might be an extra work commitment, an overpacked weekend, or a non-essential errand that can wait. Be selective and firm about what you let in—after all, time is a finite resource. This aligns perfectly with Stoic principles: as Seneca advised, “As long as you live, keep learning how to live.” Don’t dwell on it either; you’re making room for something better.

5. Embrace “Good Enough”

In an age where everything is filtered, perfected, and polished for social media, it’s easy to believe that if you can’t be amazing at something, it’s not worth doing at all. Wrong! Stoicism reminds us that peace comes from accepting what we can and cannot do. Allow yourself to do things “well enough” and move on. So, your cooking isn’t Michelin-starred? Dinner is still on the table! Life becomes simpler and more enjoyable when we embrace imperfection.

6. Keep Priorities Flexible

There will be days when everything feels critical and non-negotiable. But life is rarely that strict. Treat priorities as flexible markers that can shift when needed. Marcus Aurelius reminded himself constantly that “the obstacle is the way.” Sometimes priorities change, and that’s part of the flow. Today it might be work, but tomorrow, dedicating time to family or personal health could top the list. By letting your priorities breathe, you’ll find that navigating them becomes less of a strain and more of a flow.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

We often forget to celebrate the little victories, but they’re the building blocks of a satisfying life. Did you manage to spend 15 minutes on a hobby? Did you take a much-needed walk? Each of these tiny moments deserves recognition. Take a moment to acknowledge them because that positivity is what keeps us moving forward. The Stoics practiced gratitude as a means of centering and focusing on what’s already good in our lives. It’s a timeless reminder that joy lies in small accomplishments.

Wrapping It Up

Prioritizing doesn’t mean having to juggle everything at once; it’s about clarity and making conscious choices that align with what you *truly* want. Start with a few small shifts, let go of perfection, and, as Epictetus put it, “make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.” Life’s too short to stress every detail; enjoy the journey, one “good enough” step at a time.