Lock Back In: A Stoic Approach to Goals, Habits, & Daily Rituals

January feels like both an eternity and a quick cup of coffee ago.

But do you remember how you felt when the calendar switched over to Day 1? Did you have lofty plans? Ambitious goals? This was your year to achieve all those resolutions.

All of us do this. Every year, we’re going to read more, kick off that exercise plan, stick to the diet. Maybe you’re going to pick up a new hobby. Join the local running group.

Last year is behind us. We’re turning the page, turning over a new leaf. The enthusiasm, desire, and go-getter attitude were burning within you. This was the year.

Now all of a sudden, it’s April. We’re starting a new quarter, four months into the year. Where is your enthusiasm now? Gone? Still there?

Are you on track to hit your goals?

If the answer is no, don’t fret. There is a lot of year left.

Now the weather is changing. The temperature is warming up, the days are longer, and it’s a perfect time to lock back in.

At Who Is Coffee, we’re huge fans of Stoicism. The ancient philosophy of Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius is rooted in a foundational story about a guy you’ve probably heard of.

Hercules, the mythical hero, is best known for his immense physical strength. It was on full display in his 12 labors. But what if I told you that lifting heavy objects isn’t the true Herculean effort?

No—at its core, the story behind Stoicism is about a choice he faced at a crossroads. On one side, Vice, and the easy life. He would want for nothing, but have nothing of meaning. On the other, Virtue, and the hard road. He would endure great obstacles, but live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Herc chose the harder, virtuous path. 

The story serves as both a reminder and challenge. Every day we should push ourselves to be who we want to be. 

Of course, it's not easy. Like the Stoic philosopher Seneca says, “No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity.”

So if the year hasn’t started how you wanted, don’t settle for the easy life. It’s never too late to return to the virtuous road.

Perhaps we can make a suggestion as well. Don’t try to change everything at once.

In his popular book Atomic Habits, James Clear says:

“New goals don’t deliver new results. New lifestyles do. And a lifestyle is a process, not an outcome. For this reason, all of your energy should go into building better habits, not chasing better results.”

Similarly, Marcus Aurelius says:

“Assemble your life action by action. And be satisfied if each one achieves its goal.”

So start small. Start slow. Whatever you do, just start.

The virtuous road is long and hard—but there is a lot of year left.

Zeno says, "Well-being is realized by small steps, but is truly no small thing."

Of course, we’re here to support you. Nothing helps build a better lifestyle like a solid coffee ritual. So week by week, day by day, and cup after cup, the progress will add up.

And it starts with your daily ritual—coffee.

Remember: better coffee makes better days. Better days make better lives.

So who is coffee helping you become this year?