How do I journal about my influence without overthinking or feeling egotistical?

Try a simple, factual structure. In Stoic, respond to the prompt using three short parts: 1) Scene: “Yesterday with Sam at lunch…” 2) My cues: note your tone, words, body language, and mood. 3) Observable reaction: what changed in their face, voice, or decision after you spoke? Keep it descriptive, not evaluative. End with one line: “Intended impact vs. actual impact.” This keeps you grounded in what you saw, not in self-judgment. If you start to spiral, pause and write one neutral sentence: “I can notice influence without needing to control it.” Then close with a small intention for your next interaction, like “speak 10% slower” or “ask one clarifying question.”

I’m anxious about how coworkers see me. How can this prompt help me at work without adding more stress?

Use the prompt like a brief debrief after one work moment. Pick a single meeting today. Write: 1) One thing I did (e.g., asked for clarification). 2) One ripple I noticed (the room slowed down, someone built on my idea, or tension dropped/rose). 3) One controllable adjustment for next time (pause before replying, summarize, invite a quieter voice). This aligns with Stoic practice: focus on what you can do, not on others’ opinions. Keep it to five sentences max. Over time, you’ll spot patterns—small behaviors that reliably improve collaboration—without getting lost in mind-reading.

What if I feel like I don’t influence anyone because of past rejections or low confidence?

Start with micro-influence. In your Stoic entry, list three small signals you send that others might mirror: your greeting, your eye contact (or camera-on moment), and your pacing of speech. For each, note one time someone subtly matched you. If that’s hard to recall, plan a tiny experiment for today: smile when you enter a room or type “thanks for the context” in a chat, then later jot any shift you noticed. Influence isn’t control; it’s a nudge. Celebrate one micro-win, like “they softened their tone after I softened mine.” Consistent, values-based signals build steady influence, even when confidence wavers.

Journaling Idea - On Influence.

Can you think of ways you influence the people around you?

If it feels right to say: \"I don't,\" try replaying a conversation with a friend. Did they react to you? How?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Zach Beauvais

Published on

Jan 11, 2023

Journal in Stoic

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Zach Beauvais

Writing & User Experience

Zach helps stoic design experiences for mental and emotional wellness, creating guided meditations, mindful walks, and journaling prompts rooted in Stoic philosophy. He also serves as Marketing Director at Cornell’s ILR School, where he helps leaders clarify their purpose and turn ideas into content that engages students, faculty, and collaborators. With over 15 years of experience in storytelling, community building, and content strategy, Zach brings both creativity and clarity to his work. Outside of writing and strategy, he enjoys photography, making coffee, and carving spoons, bowls, and cups from green wood.

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