How can I use this prompt to map who actually shapes my mood and choices each day?

Try a quick attention audit in your journal: 1) List 5 voices you consumed today (people, sites, podcasts, chats). 2) Next to each, note the feeling it left (energized, anxious, inspired, numb) and one behavior it nudged (emailed, procrastinated, doomscrolled). 3) Mark C/NC for what’s in your Control (how much, when, why you engage) vs Not in your control (their opinions, the algorithm). 4) Circle two voices that align with your values and two that don’t. 5) End with one small boundary for tomorrow (e.g., “Check news after lunch, 10 min” or “Ask mentor one question”). In Stoic, use today’s prompt to capture this five‑step scan in a few sentences so you can compare patterns over the week.

What if the people or feeds I pay attention to spike my anxiety—how do I journal without spiraling?

Keep it contained and concrete: 1) 3-line page: Trigger (who/what), Body (where anxiety shows up), Need (what would help now). 2) Apply the Stoic control check: I can control—my exposure window, my response, my next action; I can’t control—their take or outcomes. 3) Choose one action that reduces stimulation, not perfection (mute for 24 hours, postpone reply, step outside for 3 minutes). 4) Close with a grounding sentence: “Today I’ll give my attention to…” and name one person or idea that steadies you. Using Stoic for a short, timed entry can keep the reflection brief and focused.

How do I tell if a role model I follow is helping me grow or just fueling comparison?

Journal a quick contrast after viewing their content: 1) Evidence: What specific behavior or principle of theirs do I respect? 2) Transfer: What is the smallest version I can practice today? 3) Signal: After engaging, do I feel motivated to act (green) or stuck/less worthy (red)? 4) Boundary: If red twice in a row, reduce frequency or switch to a mentor who shares process over highlights. 5) Commitment: Write one sentence you’ll imitate, not idolize (e.g., “Draft badly for 15 minutes like they do”). Revisit this check weekly in Stoic to realign your attention with models who prompt action, not self-doubt.

Journaling Idea - On Attention.

Who do you pay attention to most?

Think of your past – maybe good teachers or important stories. Think of where you are now – maybe websites or authors.

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Zach Beauvais

Published on

Jun 3, 2023

Journal in Stoic

HowTo=target

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking to learn moreabout emotions?

Find hundreds of quotes, affirmations, lessons, guided journals, and so much more in stoic.

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.

Who do you pay attention to most?

Join the Minimal Newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you think about this?

How do you think about this?

How do you think about this?

Looking to learn moreabout emotions?

More prompts on On Attention