How do I pick someone to see the world through without falling into comparison or envy?

Choose a person for one clear quality you admire (their patience, courage, or curiosity), not their status or outcomes. In your journal: 1) Name the quality. 2) Write three moments where they likely practice it in small ways. 3) Describe one situation in your life today where that quality would help. 4) Note one tiny behavior you’ll try (e.g., pause before replying). End by listing one thing you already do well to balance admiration with self-kindness. Using Stoic for this prompt, focus on the quality you’re exploring and finish with a single-sentence takeaway.

How can this perspective-taking prompt help with my anxiety about the future or work stress?

Try a short role lens exercise: 1) Pick someone known for steady judgment under pressure (a mentor, a historical figure, or a calm colleague). 2) Write a paragraph describing your current stress exactly as they might see it—facts first, story second. 3) List what’s in your control vs. not, from that person’s view. 4) Choose one controllable micro-step for today. This uses a Stoic idea: borrow another’s steadiness to clarify what you can influence. In the Stoic app, respond to the prompt, then add one actionable line you’ll test before the day ends.

Is it useful—or even safe emotionally—to choose someone I disagree with or resent? How would I journal about that?

It can be useful if you set boundaries. In your entry: 1) Start with a curiosity statement (“What might they be protecting or valuing?”). 2) Separate observation from interpretation (write what they do vs. why you think they do it). 3) Identify one value they seem to prioritize (security, loyalty, autonomy). 4) Note where that value could inform your own choices without adopting their behavior. 5) Close with grounding: “What do I stand for today?” This keeps empathy from becoming endorsement and shifts the focus back to your values. You can use Stoic as your daily companion to explore this gently and end with a brief reflection on what you learned about yourself.

Journaling Idea - On When in Rome.

If you could see the world through someone else’s eyes, who would you choose?

What about their worldview draws you in? What would you like to see? How do you think it would actually be?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Natalia Łobodzińska

Published on

Nov 23, 2025

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.

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