Dichotomy of Control

The Dichotomy of Control is one of the major aspects of Stoicism, straightforward in its approach, but more complex to apply and practice due to the way each of us deals with our impressions of things we encounter. By definition from the ancient Stoics,

What is within our power is:

Opinion (assent)

Impulse (turning toward a thing)

Desire

Aversion (turning from a thing)

Whatever is your own doing

Not in your power is:

Body

Property & Possessions

Reputation 

Status (offices or power)

Whatever is not your doing

Epictetus starts the Enchiridion with this famous passage:

“Some things are within our power, while others are not. Within our power are opinion, motivation, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing; not within our power are our body, our property, reputation, office, and, in a word, whatever is not of our own doing.”(Enchiridion 1)

There’s been some debate among traditional Stoics and modern Stoics who believe by modern standards we have more influence and control than our Stoic predecessors and therefore we should name this the Trichotomy of Control vs. Dichotomy. While this may be true to some degree the important focus should be to be diligent and relentless in your training and efforts to produce the outcome you wish to have. 

Epictetus illustrates what he believes is within the sphere of our control:

“Of existing things, God has placed some within our power, and others not within our power. Within our power he has placed the most important thing, that through which he himself is happy, the power to deal with impressions.” (Fragment 4)

Many could assume by way of the traditional precepts, the Dichotomy Of Control is a practice of relinquishing control by assuming a passive role in our daily lives. You should be vigilant in accurately assessing where your can effect change. I think the key point is not to focus on what externals you don’t have complete control over and obsess on changing those variables, but rather to identify the external things not completely within your control and concentrate your efforts on the internal factors you do have control over which would garner you the best odds to win. Detach yourself from the desired outcome and inject action oriented effort to produce the outcome you wish to have. Focus on the things within your power to give you the freedom and equanimity to pursue your dreams.