How do I go deeper than my first answer to “If you could have anything right now, what would it be?”

Start with your first thought—write it down without editing. Then ask “Why do I want this?” three times in a row to uncover the underlying need (e.g., safety, freedom, belonging, rest). Next, check alignment with your values: “If I already had it, how would I behave differently?” Finally, apply the Stoic lens of control: list what’s within your control today that moves you one small step toward the underlying need, and what’s outside your control to let go of. In Stoic, capture the quick first response, then add a brief follow-up note with your three whys and one tiny action for today.

My answer feels materialistic (money, a new job, a different life). How do I journal about this without guilt?

Acknowledge it neutrally—desire itself isn’t wrong; it’s information. Translate the want into the need beneath it: money → security; new job → meaning or respect; different life → ease or autonomy. Write: “Want → Need → Value,” then brainstorm one controllable behavior expressing that value today (e.g., learning, connection, budgeting, rest). Add a reframe: “Even if I can’t have it now, I can practice its quality today.” This keeps the focus on character and daily choices—core Stoic practice—while the bigger outcome remains uncertain. Use Stoic as a safe space to notice, not judge, your desires and to plan one value-aligned step.

I keep changing my answer and overthinking it. What’s a simple way to journal through the uncertainty?

Time-box it. Try a 2–2–2 structure: 2 minutes to write your first answer, 2 minutes to list the top two reasons why, 2 minutes to note one fear that’s driving the change. Then explore three time horizons with one sentence each: “Right now I want…,” “In 3 months I want…,” “In 3 years I want….” End with a Stoic close: identify one action within your control for today that honors the most consistent need you saw across horizons. In Stoic, keep these short notes together; returning to them over a few days often reveals the stable signal beneath the noise.

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If you could have anything right now, what would it be?

But why? What came to your mind first? If you think on this for a while, would you change your answer?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Zach Beauvais

Published on

Oct 19, 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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