"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." – Socrates

Sometimes, the oldest ideas have the most to say about our modern lives. This was certainly true for Markos, a regular guy with a job in a creative agency, who found himself on a unique journey. With the help of some age-old philosophical ideas, he found a new way to see his life and work!

Our coaching sessions  began with what we might call a "Socratic conversation." This ancient method is all about asking probing, sometimes challenging questions, to dig deep into our beliefs and assumptions. It's like having a heart-to-heart with a friend who's not afraid to ask the tough questions!

Markos always believed success meant climbing the corporate ladder. But why? Socrates-style questioning led him to realize that his idea of success was more about pleasing others than fulfilling his own dreams. It was like peeling back layers to find what he truly valued. Was happiness linked to his job title or salary? Through these philosophical chats, Markos began to see happiness as something more personal and less material. Maybe it was about small joys, like a good book or a walk in the park!

Markos thought a good relationship meant never arguing. But was that true? By questioning this, he discovered that healthy relationships involve communication and sometimes even disagreement. It was a revelation that brought him closer to his loved ones! This journey with Socrates' method was like sitting by a fireplace, wrapped in a blanket of self-reflection and warmth. It wasn't about finding quick answers; it was about exploring, understanding, and sometimes just wondering about the big and small things in life.

And then came Stoicism! 

"We suffer more often in imagination than in reality." – Seneca

The Stoics were masters of inner peace. They believed in focusing on what we can control and letting go of what we can't. For Markos, this meant a shift in perspective and a new way of dealing with life's ups and downs.

Markos often worried about tight deadlines and demanding projects. Stoicism taught him to focus on his effort and attitude, rather than the outcome. This shift meant he started to see challenges as opportunities to grow, not as stress triggers. Criticism used to unsettle him. The Stoic idea of focusing only on what's within his control helped him take feedback constructively. He learned to sift through criticism for useful insights and let go of harsh words that weren't helpful.

Markos had a habit of setting unrealistically high expectations for himself and others. Stoicism showed him the value of acceptance and working with things as they are, not as he wished them to be. It was about finding a balance between ambition and realism!

Markos began practicing mindfulness and reflection, techniques inspired by Stoic thought, to cultivate a sense of inner calm. This practice helped him stay centered, even in the most hectic days! And when  change used to throw him off balance, Stoicism taught him that change is a natural part of life. He learned to embrace it, adapting with flexibility and resilience. It was like learning to dance in the rain instead of waiting for the storm to pass!

The culmination of these techniques led to a significant transformation in Markos. He became more assertive, better at managing stress, and more resilient in the face of challenges. His newfound confidence was evident in his interactions and decision-making at work. He developed into a more thoughtful, self-aware, and balanced individual. His decisions were now grounded in personal values and a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him!

His story is a reminder that sometimes, the best way forward is to look back at the wisdom of those who came before us. His journey shows us that philosophy isn't just about old books and big words; it's about living a good, balanced life.