One of the biggest misconceptions about minimalism is that it means giving up everything to live like a monk. Picture a barren room with a single chair, a plate, and maybe a lamp. Sounds miserable, right? Fortunately, that’s not what minimalism — or Stoicism — is about.

The truth is, that minimalism and Stoicism share a common thread- living with purpose and intention. But misconceptions about both can make them seem intimidating or unappealing. Let’s debunk two of the biggest myths of minimalism.

Have you ever had one of those moments where you look at the clock and wonder, Where did the day go? Have you ever caught yourself scrolling endlessly on your phone, knowing full well there’s something more important you should be doing? The hours vanish, your to-do list grows, and somehow, you still feel like you’ve accomplished nothing. If so, you’re not alone.

Have you ever noticed how people respond to your expectations, especially in leadership?

Consider how trust and belief in someone’s potential can shape their performance and character. Think about the times when someone believed in you — maybe they gave you a task that stretched your skills or trusted you with a big decision. Did you rise to meet their expectations? Now think about the opposite: when someone doubted you, micromanaged you, or expected you to fail. How did that make you feel?

Have you ever wondered why we don’t talk about death as much as the Stoics did? It’s funny, isn’t it? In a world where life is often viewed as more fragile than we care to admit, we don’t think about dying every day. In fact, we try to avoid the conversation altogether. The funny thing is, in the times of the Stoics, life was way more uncertain. People died from simple illnesses, infections, or even a small cut. Children died at birth, and you could be taken out by something as unpredictable as it seemed from something as little as a random sneeze.

Yet, it was the Stoics, who felt the need to remind themselves about death — every day.

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “When I have enough money, I’ll finally be happy,” or “Once I get that promotion, I’ll start doing those things and living the life I really want”? If so, you’re not alone. It’s an easy trap to fall into — this idea that life is waiting for us on the other side of some tomorrow. But here’s the thing: tomorrow, well that isn’t guaranteed, and that’s why it’s a trap, waiting for the “perfect moment” might just be the biggest mistake we make.

Ever feel like you’re constantly chasing success — measuring your worth based on results, and letting the outcome control how you feel? What if freedom wasn’t about controlling everything around you, but learning to focus on only what you can control?

Have you ever met someone who just seems unshakable? No matter what life throws at them, they keep moving forward, they seem immune to setbacks. It makes you wonder — are some people just born hard, or is it a skill?