Stoicism & Disc Golf: A Match Made In The Fairway

Disc golf and stoicism may appear to be vastly different, yet upon closer examination, we can find many similarities. Both require a level of focus, patience, and mental toughness that can help players develop a stoic mindset and approach to disc golf.

“Concentrate every minute like a Roman, on doing what’s in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness, tenderly, willingly, with justice.” — Marcus Aurelius

Disc golfers must be fully engaged with each shot, carefully considering factors like wind, terrain, and distance. This requires a level of mindfulness and focus that is similar to the stoic practice of being present in the present moment, as Marcus Aurelius advised, “Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”

“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.” —Marcus Aurelius

Both disc golf and stoicism require a level of detachment and equanimity. Disc golfers must accept both good and bad shots with equanimity, without getting too caught up in either success or failure. Of course this is important, still, but it’s easy to get caught up in your own head about it. This is similar to the stoic ideal of living with detachment, as Seneca once said, “True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have.”

“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have.” — Seneca

Furthermore, disc golf and stoicism both emphasize the importance of perseverance and mental toughness. Disc golfers often face difficult shots or challenging courses, tough self-talk, and requiring them to push through obstacles and setbacks with resilience and determination. Similarly, Stoics believe that true strength comes from facing adversity with courage and determination, using challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. As Marcus, and I, like to say, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” — Marcus Aurelius

The similarities between disc golf and stoicism illustrate the potential for sports and physical activities to serve as powerful tools for personal growth and development. By cultivating focus, equanimity, and perseverance on the disc golf course, players can develop the same qualities of character that the ancient Stoics prized as the key to a fulfilling and meaningful life. As Seneca said, “It is not that we have a short space of time, but that we waste much of it.” So, next time you hit the course, remember to approach it with the same level of mindfulness and equanimity as the Stoics did their lives. Otherwise, what’s the point?

“It is not that we have a short space of time, but that we waste much of it.” — Seneca