The Stoic Mindset: Living the Ten Principles of Stoicism

by Mark Tuitert

A ten-step guide to reaching your peak potential through the wisdom of Stoic philosophy by entrepreneur and Olympic champion speed skater Mark Tuitert.

For twenty years, Mark Tuitert has used the principles of Stoic philosophy to become a gold-medal winning Olympic champion athlete, successful entrepreneur, as well as to deal with the challenges in his professional and private life. Now, in the internationally-bestselling book The Stoic Mindset , Mark lays out the ten practical lessons through which everyone, in any situation, can develop a Stoic mindset.

Applying the teachings of Stoic masters including Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus to the twenty-first century, Tuitert empowers readers to discover how Stoicism can change their lives and help them reach their full potential. With a gift for breaking down difficult concepts into practical applications, Tuitert distills thousands of years of Stoic philosophy into ten short principles, with an action item at the end of each chapter to help readers actualize theories. One step at a time, readers learn to develop a mindset that is both focused and relaxed, so that they can find fulfillment in a chaotic and unpredictable world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy, Self Help, Audiobook, Counselling

144 pages, Hardcover

Published April 9, 2024

About the author

Mark Tuitert won in 2010 Olympisch goud op de 1.500 meter in Vancouver en werd in hetzelfde jaar gekroond tot sportman van het jaar. Hij is inmiddels succesvol ondernemer, host van zijn goed beluisterde podcast Drive (60.000 luisteraars per maand), en veelgevraagd spreker en coach. Van zijn boek DRIVE: Train je stoïcijnse mindset werden al meer dan 50.000 exemplaren én de Engelse vertaalrechten verkocht.

Reviews

[Dona's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final Review

A lot of what happens to us is sheer luck (0:49:55)

Review summary and recommendations:
I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would, to be honest. I'm really interested in philosophy, especially stoicism, but it can be dry reading. This book is not at all dry, but passionate and bursting with the energy of someone who wants to share a wonderful secret.

Ruitert includes many discussion points about his own career as a professional athletes and his life with his family. These memoir moments helped me connect to the philosophical concepts under discussion.

This is a book that for me introduced me to a number of new ideas, and a few hints I will take for myself. Ruitert isn't suggesting a lifestyle overhaul, but rather a system of thought, from which the reader can take what works for them.

I recommend this one for readers who enjoy philosophy, self-help books, and memoirs.

Reading Notes

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. You can only find peace after realizing that this fight against your fate is actually a fight against yourself. (1:20:49) I don't agree with all the tenets of this system, but some of it, like this bit, really resonates.

2. I like the exercises at the ends of the Lessons. They are thought experiments, basically, and can reveal a lot about our thought habits. I plan to read this one again, more slowly, and work through the exercises.

3. I deeply appreciate the author's treatment of suicide in Lesson 6. He explores its relationship to other mental illness, and refrains from stigmatizing any of it, while also expressing the grief and other emotion that survivors experience.

4. In the way he writes about his kids, I feel as though he is a good father.

Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. I honestly think this audiobook would be better if it were narrated by someone else. I find this read a bit flat.

2. Some people, especially people with certain disabilities, may find some of the tenets of this philosophy to be inaccessible.

Rating: 💭💭💭💭 /5 deep thoughts
Recommend? Yes
Finished: Dec 9 '24
Format: digital, NetGalley; audiobook, Libby
Read this book if you like:
👤 philosophy
🩷 self help
🗣 memoir
🧠 thought discipline

Quotations from the 10 Lessons:
Lesson 1 - If you want to raise the bar, want to learn things, you need to take risks. There is no other way. (0::22:40)
Lesson 2 - [...It] is your choice to be distracted by others. Lose your concentration, and you will lose your enjoyment. Your result. (0:34:17)
Lesson 3 - Those who let their actions be determined by circumstances they couldn't control, allowed themselves to be enslaved by those circumstances. (0:46:47)
Lesson 4 - Self preservation strategy leads to social behiavior. Doing good by others is a survival strategy for social creatures. (0:59:07)
Lesson 5 - [...Give] yourself over to everything outside of your power, and [understand]: that fortune can also bring new opportunities. (1:17:59)
Lesson 6 - [...Have] I lived as I wanted to? (1:28:17)
Lesson 7 - Happiness is, in itself, a bad goal to aim for. That's because we dont find happiness at the finish line, but along the way. (1:46:25)
Lesson 8 - [...Everything] I take on falls within my triangle. (2:06:54) In other words, stick to your wheelhouse.
Lesson 9 - This high ideal will remain unattainable for virtually everyone. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't strive for it. (2:16:17)
Lesson 10 - Those who fail, learn. (2:30:08)

Thank you to the author Mark Ruitert, publishers St. Martin's Essentials, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of The Stoic Mindset. I found an accessible copy (audiobook) on Libby. Read by the author. All views are mine.
---------------
Pre-Read Notes:
I'm always interested to see how people apply philosophical concepts in their lives. That's why I found this book compelling and requested it from NetGalley. Unfortunately, I didn't receive an accessible copy (NetGalley, please provide accessible copies to your readers!) so I waited until the audiobook hit Libby.

[John Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Mark Tuitert’s 'The Stoic Mindset: Living the Ten Principles of Stoicism' offers a compelling blend of philosophy and personal narrative. I found myself engaged by Tuitert’s concise yet insightful exploration of Stoic principles. Thank you to McMillan Audio for providing me with an Advance Readers Copy for review.

Clocking in as a short read, Tuitert characterizes the book as an overview—a label that fits well. He skims the surface of Stoic philosophy, providing enough detail to grasp the concepts without overwhelming newcomers. What sets this book apart is Tuitert’s integration of his experiences as an Olympic speed skater, offering real-world context to Stoic teachings.

Despite its brevity, 'The Stoic Mindset' manages to leave a lasting impression. I particularly liked that Tuitert introduced the four Stoic virtues—wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. Those have stuck with me after finishing the book as I reflect on how these principles can be applied in everyday life. The book also includes exercises after each of the 10 principles aimed at internalization, though their long-term effectiveness may be questioned given the book’s concise explanations.

A notable highlight is Tuitert’s narration of the audiobook, adding authenticity and depth to the experience. His delivery brings the Stoic teachings to life, creating a stronger connection between author and audience.

Overall, 'The Stoic Mindset' serves as a solid introduction to Stoicism, particularly appealing to those with an interest in sports. However, its brevity may leave some readers wanting more depth and exploration of Stoic philosophy. Nevertheless, for those seeking a brief yet impactful entry point into Stoicism, Tuitert’s book offers an accessible and engaging starting point.

[Kim Novak (The Reading Rx) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short self-help book serves as a nice intro to understanding stoicism and how to incorporate its principles into your own life philosophy. I really enjoyed the author’s take in it as it applied to his earlier speedskaking life and his later career as an entrepreneur. Lots of great life advice for managing your expectations and happiness.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Essentials for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Amy ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good beginners book to stoicism

[Kelli Santistevan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A ten-step guide to reaching your peak potential through the wisdom of Stoic philosophy by entrepreneur and Olympic champion speed skater Mark Tuitert.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press & Netgalley for sending me a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I didn’t find it helpful to read this book but I thought it was very interesting. I didn’t know anything about Stoicism but I learned a lot. I didn’t do the exercises that are included in this book but I still thought this book was very informative. I probably would have got more out of this book if I had taken the time to do the exercises but I don’t think it’s necessary to do the exercises.

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 2 out of 5]

One day I’ll read a book that will actually be on point for what the title and cover promises without being bogged down in autobiography that I had no interest to read.

I happen to love stoicism and was excited to listen to this book. Imagine my surprise then when I hit play and some guy starts talking to me about his time in the Olympics.

If I pick up a book about stoicism, I want to read about stoicism from page 1.

If there had been an authors note AT THE END where he explained how he attributes stoicism to winning a gold medal, that would have been a sweet cherry on top. Here though it was jarring and I was annoyed I had to sit through a memoir I didn’t sign up for.

Unfortunately there was far more where this came from. He’d list a principal and then drone on and on and on about himself.

I don’t mind a brief illustrative example (keyword brief). This is more of a memoir.

It probably should have this former Olympian on the cover and a title something like “my Olympic career and how stoicism helped me win gold”

DNF

Thanks netgalley

[Carol Zafiriadi · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title should have been "The Stoic Mindset - How I Tricked People Into Reading About My Life With No Relevant Connection to the Real Stoicism"

Or, to quote another review, 'One day I’ll read a book that will actually be on point for what the title and cover promises without being bogged down in autobiography that I had no interest to read.'

[Benjamin Blevins-Boor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read for all those who feel stuck and anxious with life. Tuitert shares his struggles through sport, through his career post-sport and his family issues which all resonated with me. Going to practice being more stoic, as someone once said “it is what it is”. This book highlights benefits of “letting go”, how to practice being okay with not controlling everything in our lives, and even gives several exercises for readers to practice. Amor fati baby!

[Oskar Szymanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars (please goodreads give us the ability to do half stars), nice intro to stoic philosophy with some decent practical examples but it definitely makes me want to read some of the classic texts to delve deeper into this school of thought.

[Grace McGrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

“With a Stoic mindset, you separate happiness and mood from external circumstances or goals. Experiencing happiness is completely independent of your own interpretation and effort.”

[Martin Tielemans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goed boek, waarin Meditations van Marcus Aurelius wordt uitgelegd met voorbeelden van nu. Het is een aanrader voor de mensen, die Meditations moeilijk kunnen begrijpen.

[Charles Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stoic Mindset by Mark Tuitert

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin Press, St. Martin Essential, and Mark Tuitert for providing an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

This review expresses my own personal opinion. I have not been asked to post it by the author, the publishing companies or anyone connected with the book or author.

The main focus of this book, by its title, is Stoicism, an ancient philosophy that originated around 300 B.C. in Greece and migrated to Rome. At its core, which the author seeks to get to, is how can one live well? What are the practical utilities that we can apply to our everyday life? Life as the Stoics saw and lived it, is full of challenges, adversity, sadness, death, opportunities, etc. These happenings of life, the Stoics knew we have no control over, and if that was the case, how could one face the ups and downs of life in a way that would lead to a calmer mindset, to be clear about one’s position in the Universe? Tuitert wants to share with us some of the answers he found and how he applies the learnings to his own personal life.

Mark Tuitert is a former Dutch speed skater who won the gold medal at the 150m at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Prior to reaching this goal, Tuitert shares with us his journey to discovering stoicism, the ups and plenty of downs along the way. Since his Olympic win, Tuitert went on to dig deeper into the stoic philosophy writing this book, starting businesses, lecturing, following his entrepreneurial dreams. Imbedded in all his endeavors is his ten principles that the author says can help us live a more stoic life, a life lived with practical utility, one that is lived well. To do this we must, as the stoics believed, be more thoughtful, more deliberate, must learn to think more clearly, to control our emotions, that as Marcus Aurelius, the stoic Roman emperor, said, be in control of our reasoned choices.

The ten principles are:

1. Use Setbacks As Signpost
2. Judge Less, Understand More
3. Win By Not Focusing on Winning
4. What’s Good For The Team Is Good For You
5. Accept Your Fate (And Love It)
6. Death Makes Life Epic
7. Happiness Is A Side Effect
8. A Map is Good, A Compass is Better
9. Character Is Your Most Important Project
10. Actions Speak Louder Than Words

With each principle, he gives personal examples, homework exercises, and colorful graphics. I wish he would have elaborated more on the assignments and provided a little more depth to application of the principle, this would have been more helpful to those new to stoicism.

In sum, this is no Rah! Rah! book, with fluff and philosophy. It is a practical walk with someone who is sharing his own learnings and growth by trying to live a more stoic life. Tuitert gets it. He understands that life is constantly living and he believes that by applying the teachings of stoicism, one can make life what you want it, that your journey through life can be easier and more rewarding if you apply the teachings of Cato, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and others.

The writing is well done, easy to read and understand. He distills the 10 principles so that if you are new to stoicism, you will not be scared off or overwhelmed, and if you have been a traveler of stoicism for some time, you will find some helpful nuggets to use in your journey.

I rate this book 4 stars for Tuitert delivers on the goal to share his personal life’s journey in stoicism and how you too can benefit from this timeless philosophy.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this memoir and self-improvement guide using the works of ancient philosophers to deal with a world that is increasingly getting stranger, regressive, and soul-draining.

My father has a degree in psychology with minors in both theology and philosophy. So most of my knowledge of philosophy came from losing numerous arguments with him. There was always a quote, comment on thinking, a bit of scripture, even some Irishism, of one of the many comedy albums he loved that kept my brother and myself on our toes during our teen years. I was not much for philosophy, Seneca could be Sanka, and I knew of Spinoza because I had was a fan of P. G. Wodehouse, and the Incomparable Jeeves was a devotee. Later as my reading expanded I found as Boethius wrote a consolation in philosophy, that many of these ideas still might help a mind deal with an increasing cluttered, messy and even dying world. The Stoic Mindset: Living the Ten Principles of Stoicism by Olympic Gold winner and entrepreneur Mark Tuitert is a part memoir, part self-improvement handbook, and primer on the ancient thought of stoicism, and how it might help in a world where emotion seems to be the deciding factor in many things.

The book begins with Tuitert discussing his Olympic dreams and how his first two attempts to even attend the Games were denied. In Tuitert's first attempt over training got in his way, his health suffered, and Tuitert had to watch from home. Tuitert's second attempt was more to mistakes than anything else. During this time period Tuitert began to study about training, about changing his mind and mindset, and this brought him to the teachings of the stoics. Also Tuitert's parents divorced, and even as an older person Tuitert still had to deal with the emotions and anger that always happens in these situations. Stoicism helped him deal with this, reuniting Tuitert with his father, after years of anger, and later helping him deal with the death of his mother. The book offers action plans, examples and history for readers to try to get close to the idea of eudaimonia, a well-lived life.

This is a slim book, but serves as a good introduction to the ideas of stoicism, and the lives of Seneca, not Sanka, and Epictetus. The examples are good, as are many of the ideas in the action plan. Tuitert covers the basics well, and by his example gives hope that maybe people who are stuck emotionally and mentally can find some consolation and encouragement to get out of their rut. This is also a memoir, so there is much about the Olympics and speed skating, which makes one wish for more suggestions and ideas, but what is presented is helpful, and well written. A very good start for people, with suggestions that could start one on a better path and future.

Recommended for people interested in old ways of dealing with new problems. Also for those who find the rage, the wanting of liberal tears and the sheer inability of people to hide their fear and emotions not only exhausting, but confusing. Stoicism shows what a person can control, oneself, one's actions, and one's virtues, and to let others be as crazy as they want to be. A lot of helpful suggestions for this modern world.

[Rahel Charikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Tuitert's "The Stoic Mindset" offers a compelling and practical guide to incorporating Stoic philosophy into everyday life. As an Olympic champion speed skater and successful entrepreneur, Tuitert draws on twenty years of experience applying Stoic principles to achieve success in various aspects of his life. In this internationally-bestselling book, he distills the wisdom of Stoicism into ten actionable lessons, providing readers with a roadmap to develop a Stoic mindset.

Tuitert skillfully bridges the gap between ancient Stoic teachings, including those of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, and the challenges of the twenty-first century. The book empowers readers to embrace Stoicism as a tool for personal development, offering practical applications that are easy to understand and implement.

The ten principles outlined in the book serve as a roadmap for cultivating a Stoic mindset. Tuitert's ability to break down complex philosophical concepts into actionable steps makes this guide accessible to readers at any level of familiarity with Stoicism. Each chapter concludes with an action item, providing readers with concrete steps to apply the principles in their own lives.

The strength of "The Stoic Mindset" lies in its applicability to diverse situations. Tuitert's writing style is clear and engaging, making it easy for readers to connect with the teachings of Stoicism and see how they can be relevant in their own chaotic and unpredictable lives. The book serves as a valuable resource for those seeking fulfillment and focus in a world that often feels overwhelming.

While the book successfully introduces readers to Stoic philosophy and its practical applications, it might benefit from more in-depth exploration of certain concepts for readers who wish to delve deeper into Stoicism. Additionally, some readers might appreciate more anecdotes or personal stories from Tuitert's experiences to further illustrate the impact of Stoicism on his life.

In summary, "The Stoic Mindset" is a commendable guide that distills the wisdom of Stoic philosophy into practical principles. Mark Tuitert's personal journey adds authenticity to the teachings, making the book accessible and relevant for readers aspiring to unlock their peak potential. With its actionable steps and thoughtful insights, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in integrating Stoicism into their daily lives.

[Suz Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Tuitert takes ten principle of stoic philosophy and shows how he’s embraced them in his everyday life and while he was competing as an Olympic speed skater.

The chapters include: use setbacks as signposts, judge less/understand more, win by not focusing on winning, what’s good for the team is good for you, accept your fate (and love it,) death makes life epic, happiness is a side effect, a map is good/a compass is better,character is your most important project, and actions speak louder than words. At the start of each chapter, the corresponding quote from the Stoic philosopher is included so the reader can see the original text as well as the modern interpretation.

Tuitert shares brief anecdotes about Stoic philosophers such as Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus and information on how they lived a Stoic lifestyle. However, with Tuitert’s own tales and examples, exercises, and practice principles, the book focuses on the application of the ten tenets to modern life.

While the book includes a brief introduction, it lacks a conclusion, ending with a couple of pages for notes and an outline for an implementation plan after the tenth chapter.

Each chapter has a special page with text on the topic of stoicism in practice and exercises to practice the principles. Unfortunately, on an ereader the text on these pages is tiny and difficult to read, particularly for someone with vision issues. I was unable to make the text larger using the app on my tablet, but not on my ereader. I expect the issue will be resolved in the final ebook version and the text may be larger in the physical book.

I really liked the palatable manner in which Tuitert breaks down each principle and shares how it helped him with challenges related to his time during and after he was a professional speed skater.

I recommend this book for anyone curious about Stoic philosophy or who is seeks a change in mindset.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Essentials, an imprint of St. Martin’s Publishing Group, for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

For twenty years, Mark Tuitert has used the principles of Stoic philosophy to become a gold-medal winning Olympic champion athlete, successful entrepreneur, as well as to deal with the challenges in his professional and private life. In this book, Mark lays out the ten practical lessons through which everyone, in any situation, can develop a Stoic mindset.

Recently I’ve heard people mention Stoicism as it applied to their lives. Stoicism is a school of thought from ancient Greece and then adopted by the ancient Romans. As Tuitert explains in the book, “… Stoic philosophy focuses on a power hidden within every person. The external factors are not what’s important – it’s that you get the best out of yourself and do good by others.” Tuitert does a nice job of explaining the Stoic masters throughout history. He also does a good job writing about Stoicism as he applied it in his life, both as an Olympic-level athlete and as an entrepreneur.

Tuitert explains Stoicism in a way that is easy to understand and apply to your daily life. He simplifies the Stoic philosophy into ten actionable steps and ends each chapter with an exercise that the reader can use to apply the lesson from that chapter. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is just starting to research Stoicism to determine if it is something they can apply in their own lives.

Thanks to Net Galley, Mike Tuitert, and St. Martin’s Essentials for providing a complimentary copy of this book in hopes that I will leave my unbiased review. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and the above review is simply my opinion of the book.

[FM · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book offers a practical and personal approach to applying Stoic philosophy in everyday life. Tuitert, a former Olympic speed skater, combines his own experiences with Stoic principles, aiming to show how these ancient teachings can help individuals manage challenges, stress, and setbacks.

The book is structured around the core Stoic values of discipline, control, and resilience. Tuitert explores how Stoicism encourages focusing on what is within one’s control, while accepting what is not. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates how these principles guided him during his athletic career and continue to influence his life today.

One of the strengths of the book is its accessibility. Tuitert translates complex Stoic ideas into actionable steps, making them relatable for modern readers. He also highlights the importance of emotional regulation and mindset, emphasizing how Stoicism can help individuals perform better under pressure, whether in sports, business, or personal challenges.

However, some readers might find the book overly simplistic or repetitive, especially those familiar with Stoic philosophy. The personal anecdotes, while insightful, may also feel limited in scope, as the book doesn’t delve deeply into the broader history or deeper philosophical discussions surrounding Stoicism.

Overall, "The Stoic Mindset" is an engaging, accessible introduction to applying Stoic principles in a practical, modern context, particularly for those seeking personal growth and resilience in high-pressure situations.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book. As a lover of philosophy, it was quite nice to read theories, themes and quotes while also having them apply to the author's journey. For me the book was very much relatable although the author and I had two entirely different career paths, the overall message resonated across many career paths. I really liked that there were practice exercises after each chapter. I also really like how the titles for each chapter and the visuals used for each. This book was a great walk back into stoicism and its core practices. It included the thoughts of many of the greats and breaks it down so that the layman can understand. It is a great introduction to philosophy. for those who are just getting started or those who have issues assimilating or understanding philosophy in general or just what is stoicism. Half my class didn't understand philosophy. or the different schools of philosophy. Many of them struggled to full grasps the concepts and teachings of Stoicism and found the work of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus difficult to assimilate. This book would have been the perfect book for them to clearly understand it all. This book is a great read and great tool to help readers use the practices of stoicism to help actualize their own dreams and propel them on the journey to achieving those dreams through setting goals, planning and action.

[CT OHare · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Stoic Mindset, Olympic gold medalist Mark Tuitert delivers a highly accessible and personal exploration of Stoic philosophy, reframed for modern life. Drawing from the ancient wisdom of figures like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, Tuitert blends philosophical insight with his own journey through elite sports, personal setbacks, and mental resilience.

What sets this book apart is its authenticity. Tuitert doesn’t simply rehash Stoic tenets—he lives them. He walks the reader through how Stoicism helped him confront pressure, failure, and ambition, all while maintaining inner peace and purpose. Each chapter is short, engaging, and laced with practical advice, making it an ideal entry point for readers new to Stoicism.

While seasoned Stoics might crave a deeper philosophical dive, The Stoic Mindset excels in relatability and clarity. Tuitert’s athletic background adds a fresh lens to ancient ideas, reinforcing that discipline, acceptance, and focus are as relevant on the podium as they are in daily life.

In all, it’s an inspiring, motivational read that grounds Stoic philosophy in action. Whether you’re seeking mental strength, clarity, or calm, this book offers a powerful reminder: while we don’t control events, we can always choose how we respond.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here are some quotes I enjoyed:

" The only thing the archer can ensure is that they shoot as straight and accurately as possible. They can tune their bow perfectly and learn how to control their breathing, but as soon as that arrow is let go, what happens next is no longer up to them. The arrow seeks the mark."

"Wishing for figs in winter"

"Natural Rest Days"

"We try to organize our lives like schedules. Everything gets filled in... That's why it's growing harder for us to put up with uncertainty and chaos."

"If we allow ourselves to be led by the issues of the day, by our impulses, are we using our time the way we want to?"

Strive for peace of mind in all circumstances, good and bad (a paraphrase)

"Mark, you're 33 years old, already an Olympic champion, a father, and you've worked so hard to get here. Cherish that, and be proud of it. You have nothing to lose - enjoy the coming tournament"

"It is in the character of growth that we should learn from both pleasant and unpleasant experiences" Nelson Mandela

"The value of philosophy lies in practice: The Stoic mindset centers on applying theory in an active life"

[Hope Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was stoicism in a nutshell. It was short and sweet, but that was on of the reasons I liked it. Mark Tuitert was an Olympic speed skater and uses his experiences in the examples in his book. Even though I've never dreamed of skating in the Olympics, I found his anecdotes relatable enough to my life that they resonated with me. Whenever Mark would introduce a new stoic tenet, he also gave credit to the stoic philosophers who embodied these tenets, in a concise manner. While some material I've read about stoicism can be very dense reading, I would consider this light reading. There were exercises at the end of every chapter, which were well-developed and worth the time, though maybe a little confusing on audio.

Thank you to netgalley for this free advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

#netgalley #TheStoicMindset

[Shanereads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed by The Stoic Mindset and it will not be a book that I will be recommending.

There was no clear definition of what stoicism is. The author jumped right into his athletic career, and it felt like a lot was assumed of the reader, in terms of prior knowledge of philosophy. In addition there are several exercises listed in the book with no research as to how it should help the reader, and no practical application for the readers life.

If you are interested in this type of reading this is an incredibly short read, and I was able to read it over the course of a couple of hours in a single day. The graphic design and the layout of the book was also incredibly appealing.

This review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. Huge thanks to St. Martins Press Essentials for my review copy!

[Ben Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an advanced readers copy through a giveaway *

Pros: this book is very relatable, not that I’m an Olympian. But using real life examples from work, parenting, and pursuing your dream really helps solidify the overall points.

The exercises at the end of every chapter were helpful to reinforce the points made throughout the chapter

A good look at modern Stoicism

Cons: *I have an advanced readers copy* The layout was distracting. The way the pages were numbered, the placement of the quotes, etc took away from the experience

I would have liked more historical discussion of Stoics. While they were sprinkled in, overall it felt sparse to me

Overall: If you want to learn how to become a stoic this is a great book to pick up first a quick read. If you want to learn about philosophy you may want to look elsewhere to supplement this book

[Charles Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

67%

The interesting thing about this book is that, as an athlete and a stoic myself, you can see in the category of athleticism and high performance individuals in the business world, that stoicism seems to be strongly connected to the two. You'll frequently find that members in the community partake in these practices at a disproportionately higher rate than other categories. It's re-emerging is the thing, and that's what this book points to as well, indirectly, by just talking about the stoic mindset. And the fun-ness of it is that, as it continues to trend upwards, people are reconnecting with it. Now, as I am in both categories, I can see as well the strong connection here. So this book has a lot of potential as a simple case study to say, well, would you look at that, all athletes seem to have the potential to benefit from engaging in stoic principles.

[P S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I try to practice stoic life as much as possible. This book is a short one but packs a punch. All the greats that I think about have displayed stoicism at some point of life - Rumi, Steve Jobs. Recently I was talkign to someone and they wondered about my calm public attitude. I wanted to list a few of the amor fati, thinking about our mortality once in a while. If you wanted to start on adopting stoicism, it is a good list of ten principles to follow .This book was a good reminder of some of the thought processes that make me a stoic. My biggest takeaways - reconsider judgements - meet success and failure the same way. The book has extended how to be a stoic athlete, student and leader. Wishing you good luck in overcoming the adversities of life with a calm and prepared mind.

[Louise Foerster · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE STOIC MINDSET by Mark Tuitert is a grounded introduction to Stoicism and a motivating, intelligent guide to putting ancient wisdom to work in our overwrought current world. I have long been interested in the Stoic philosophy and discovered several of its principles the hard way. With this clear, well-written, and wonderfully illustrated guide, we have accessible, straightforward principles by which to live our most successful, productive lives -- and yes, likely much happier ones although happiness is not the goal. This book might be the very thing a graduate or struggling loved one might appreciate as they embark upon new ventures. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author provides a very introductory overview of some basic Stoic concepts in a reflection on his career as an Olympic speed skater. While the concepts themselves are accurate, the introduction of them are incredibly shallow and not necessarily outlined in such a way where the reader might feel comfortable trying to adopt the techniques themselves. The book is extremely short, allowing it to be a fast read, however it feels that the author had plenty of opportunity to increase the length of the book just slightly in search for pragmatism. Overall, it's a good introduction to Stoicism, however if you're already familiar with some of the basic concepts this book won't be that interesting to you.

[Nicole]

DNF audiobook at 46%. I’m shocked to discover I don’t like a book about stoicism. I knew this was off to a foul start when the author started his first chapter talking about how ruminating over everything that can go wrong in a situation will help you come to terms with all the things that can go wrong, so that if something DOES go wrong, it will be easier to accept it. Yeah, no. As someone who picked up the stoic philosophy as a way to cope with intense anxiety and ADHD, I won’t be taking that advice. In general - nothing groundbreaking here. I wouldn’t even recommend it to someone new to stoicism. There are people out there that do it better (cough Ryan Holiday cough), or just pick up a copy of Meditations. HARD pass on this one. This writing is diary entry worthy, at best.

[Janette Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Tuitert presents the following ten principles for developing a Stoic mindset;
Use setbacks as signposts
Judge less, understand more
Win by not focusing on winning
What's good for the team is good for you
Accept your fate (and love it)
Death makes life epic
Happiness is a side effect
A map is good, a compass better
Character is your most important project
Actions speak louder than words

Mr. Tuitert started reading about Stoic philosophy in the weeks before he won a gold medal in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Since then, he has continued to study and apply Stoic philosophy to his life.
The author does a good job sharing Stoic principles and explaining how he has used these principles to improve his life. He shares many experiences about his athletic endeavors and his struggles to get to the Olympics.
There are some very helpful practice exercises at the end of each chapter. There are also colorful illustrations that illustrate and clarify the Stoic concepts.
Stoicism has been undergoing a resurgence in the 21st century. Over the last decade, the philosophy of Stoicism has managed to permeate mainstream culture in a way that most philosophies never do. This book does an excellent job of presenting material that provides core information and encourages the reader to delve deeper into the subject.
This book is an excellent introduction to Stoicism and offers a great deal of help in applying the principles to your life. Highly recommended!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a free copy of this in a Goodreads giveaway. Here's my honest review:

A book written by Olympic Champion Mark Tuitert about applying the Principles of Stoicism in your everyday life: A useful guide for anybody interested in this Philosophy (though it would've benefited from being longer). There are a few quotes here and there, a little bit of history, and it's a bit of a memoir from the speed skater himself with personal stories mixed in here and there. There were also exercises at the end of each chapter to try and get you to apply the principles taught in that section. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then go for it.