How do I journal about working with someone I don’t like without it turning into a rant?

Start with a structure that separates the event from your interpretation. 1) Facts: Write what happened in 3 bullet points, no adjectives. 2) Feelings: Name 2–3 emotions (e.g., irritated, tense, guarded). 3) Needs/values: Identify what felt threatened (respect, clarity, autonomy). 4) Qualities noticed: Note any strengths that surfaced (assertiveness, patience, creativity under constraints). 5) Control check (Stoic principle): List what’s in your control (your tone, preparation, boundaries) and what isn’t (their attitude). Close with a one-line intention for next time. Using the Stoic app, you can keep entries brief and focused so the practice supports calm, not venting.

What qualities should I look for in myself when I collaborate with someone I don’t enjoy working with?

Scan for strengths that appear under friction: - Self-regulation: Did you pause before reacting? - Clarity: Did you ask precise questions to avoid assumptions? - Courage: Did you voice a concern respectfully? - Creativity: Did constraints push you to try a new approach? - Boundaries: Did you say no or set limits? - Empathy-in-action: Did you separate the person from the problem? Compare this to how you work with a friend. Note what increases (efficiency, assertiveness) and what decreases (ease, spontaneity). In your Stoic journal, write one sentence for each quality you noticed, then one micro-adjustment you’ll try next time (e.g., “Lead with a clarifying question”).

How can I turn this prompt into a practical plan for my next tough collaboration?

Use a simple reflection-to-action flow: 1) Pattern: Identify one recurring trigger (e.g., interruptions). 2) Reframe: Choose a useful story (e.g., “Interruptions = chance to practice concise summaries”). 3) If–then: Set one contingency behavior (If interrupted, then I’ll say, “Two more points, then I’ll pause.”). 4) Strength anchor: Name the quality you’re cultivating (calm, clarity, courage). 5) Debrief cue: Pick a question to answer after the meeting (“What worked? What didn’t?”). Keep this plan in your Stoic entry so you can revisit it before and after interactions and steadily refine your approach.

Journaling Idea - On Unexpected Partnerships.

What qualities do you discover in yourself when you collaborate with someone you don’t like very much?

Do you become, bolder, more creative? How are you different compared to working with a friend?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Natalia Łobodzińska

Published on

Jan 20, 2026

Journal in Stoic

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Natalia Łobodzińska

Head of Content at stoic.

Natalia oversees all content inside the Stoic app — from guided journals to daily prompts. She works closely with therapists and writers to make sure every word helps users reflect and grow. She also manages translations to keep the experience thoughtful and consistent across languages.

What qualities do you discover in yourself when you collaborate with someone you don’t like very much?

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