Existentialism in Everyday Life: What It Is and How to Apply It

Last updated: 3 July 2026 · By Spencer Li, CFTe

Existentialism is the idea that life has no built-in meaning, so each person is free, and responsible, to create their own. There is no purpose handed down by a higher power or a fixed external order. That sounds bleak at first. In practice it is the opposite. If nobody assigns your meaning, then nobody can take it from you either. You apply existentialism by accepting that your choices are yours, living by values you actually picked rather than inherited, getting comfortable with uncertainty, and using the fact that your time is finite as a reason to live deliberately now. The payoff is a real sense of ownership over your own life, more honest self-reflection, and the freedom to be authentic instead of performing a script someone else wrote.

Here is where it comes from, what it actually claims, and the concrete ways you can put it to work.

What is existentialism?

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It puts the individual at the centre: your freedom, your choices, and your responsibility for the meaning you make.

A few core claims sit underneath it.

First, you are responsible for your own meaning. There is no pre-set purpose waiting to be discovered, so you cannot outsource the question to tradition, religion, or other people. You decide, and you live with the consequences.

Second, your experience is your own (subjectivity, the idea that each person sees the world from a viewpoint nobody else fully shares). There is no single objective truth you can stand on. There is only the world as you actually meet it.

Third, there is a built-in aloneness to being human. Nobody else can live your life or face your death for you. That isolation can feel like anxiety and alienation. It can also be a quiet kind of freedom, because if you are truly the author here, you get to write the thing.

Where did existentialism come from?

Existentialism grew out of a fast-changing world. The industrial revolution and the rise of science and technology left a lot of people feeling disconnected from the old sources of meaning, and this philosophy was one way of making sense of that.

The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard is often called the “father of existentialism”. He wrote about the individual’s subjective experience and the weight of personal choice, and he kept faith and a personal relationship with God at the centre of it.

The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche rejected inherited morality and religion and put the emphasis on the individual’s will. His ideas laid the groundwork for much of what followed.

The movement was popularised in the mid-20th century by Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, and others. Sartre focused on freedom and personal responsibility for one’s own existence. Heidegger focused on the question of being, the idea that you have to understand your own existence before you can understand the world around you. The psychoanalytic work of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung on the human psyche also fed into it.

The reach went well past philosophy. Existentialism shaped literature, theatre, film, and art, and it is still influential today.

What are the benefits of existentialism?

Personally, I think the appeal is that it hands the steering wheel back to you. The main benefits:

• It empowers the individual. Once you accept that you are the one making meaning, you stop waiting for permission and start acting with a real sense of agency.
• It encourages self-reflection. Questioning your own existence is uncomfortable, but it leads to a deeper read on who you actually are and where you fit.
• It promotes authenticity. The goal is to live by your own lights rather than chasing external validation or conforming to a default. That is where genuine fulfilment tends to come from.
• It is honest about how hard life is. There is no tidy, objective answer to the question of existence, and existentialism does not pretend otherwise. It lets you hold the complexity instead of papering over it.
• It rewards individuality and creativity. If you are building your own meaning, you are free to express yourself in ways that are genuinely yours.

Do note that it has its critics. The same philosophy can be read as bleak or pessimistic, and it can lean so far into the individual that it underweights the social, economic, and political forces that shape people’s lives. Worth holding both.

How do you apply existentialism in your life?

Here is the practical part. These are not steps to complete in order, they are habits to combine in whatever way fits you.

• Accept responsibility for your choices. You set the direction of your life, and you own the consequences. That is sobering and freeing at the same time.
• Embrace freedom and choice. You have the power to shape your own path. You are not locked into societal expectations or some predetermined track.
• Recognise the inherent meaninglessness of life. This sounds harsh, but it is liberating. If there is no pre-defined purpose to find, you can stop hunting for it and start building your own.
• Create your own values. Reflect on what actually matters to you, then work to line your actions up with it, instead of running on values you never chose.
• Embrace uncertainty. Get comfortable with ambiguity. Treat the unknown as room to grow rather than something to flee.
• Practise mindfulness. Being present with your own thoughts, feelings, and actions helps you connect with your real self and live more deliberately.
• Develop authenticity. Be true to your own values. Stop living by what other people expect of you.
• Cultivate self-awareness. Notice your thoughts and feelings, and ask what is really driving your actions, so your choices line up with who you are.
• Seek out new experiences. Growth tends to live just outside the comfort zone. Try new things, new hobbies, new places.
• Find your own purpose. This is rarely a single lightning bolt. It is usually a slow process of testing different activities, values, and goals until something fits.
• Practise self-acceptance. Accept yourself as you are rather than contorting to fit someone else’s mould. It also makes you more accepting of other people.
• Reflect on your own mortality. Your time is finite and it will end. Sitting with that, rather than dodging it, is what sharpens the present moment and pushes you to live with intent.

Famous examples of existentialist thinkers

Existentialism runs through the work of a lot of well-known figures. Here is a quick map of who shaped it and the line each is remembered for.

Do note that none of these figures were existentialists and nothing else. Their thinking ranged wider than this one movement, and their ideas get read and applied differently depending on who is doing the reading.

Concluding thoughts

Existentialism asks you to take responsibility for your own life and your own choices, instead of leaning on inherited morality or religion to decide for you. It pushes self-reflection, it rewards authenticity, and it says you have to understand your own existence before the rest of the world makes sense.

It is a demanding philosophy. For anyone willing to sit with it, though, the return is a real sense of empowerment, honest self-reflection, and the freedom to live as yourself.

The next time you feel lost or uncertain, remember the core of it: you have the power to create your own meaning and purpose.

So, now that you have what existentialism is and the concrete ways to apply it, is this a life philosophy you would actually adopt? And for those already living it, what other ways have you put existentialism to work? Let me know in the comments.

If you enjoyed this, you might also like Beyond Financial Freedom: An Unofficial Guide to Living Your Best Life.

FAQ

What is existentialism in simple terms?
Existentialism is the view that life has no built-in meaning, so each person is free, and responsible, to create their own meaning and live by values they actually chose.

Who is the father of existentialism?
The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard is usually called the father of existentialism. He wrote about subjective experience, personal choice, and the individual’s relationship with God.

What is the main idea of existentialism?
That existence comes before any assigned purpose. You are not handed a meaning by a higher power or a fixed order, so you have to take responsibility for creating it yourself.

Is existentialism pessimistic?
It can read that way, since it accepts that life is hard and has no objective answer. But many people find it empowering, because it puts authorship of your own life back in your hands.

How can I apply existentialism in daily life?
Own your choices, choose your own values, get comfortable with uncertainty, stay present through mindfulness, seek out new experiences, and use the fact that your time is finite as a reason to live deliberately.

About the author. Spencer Li is the founder of Synapse Trading and a Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) with 15 years of trading across stocks, forex, crypto, commodities, and bonds. His trade log is public, 404 trades, losses left in. He teaches low-risk swing trading in 15 minutes a day, one system for any market, and writes on the wider question of how to live a deliberate, examined life.

This is a personal reflection, not financial advice. Synapse Trading is not licensed by MAS to advise on investment products. Trading carries risk of loss; past performance is not indicative of future results.

Related

Beyond Financial Freedom: An Unofficial Guide to Living Your Best Life · How to find your purpose · Stoicism for modern life

Stoicism is a philosophy that originated in ancient Greece and Rome that emphasizes the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions.

It teaches that by accepting the present moment as it is, we can achieve peace of mind and inner harmony.

Through the practice of Stoicism, you can learn to live a more virtuous and fulfilling life, and gain valuable insights on how to handle stress and adversity.

In this blog post, I will explore the origins and benefits of this life philosophy, and practical ways you can apply it in your life.

What is Stoicism?

Stoicism is a philosophy that originated in ancient Greece and was later developed by the Romans.

It is a philosophy of personal ethics that emphasizes the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions.

It teaches that by accepting the present moment as it is, we can achieve peace of mind and inner harmony.

The Stoics believed that by understanding the nature of the universe, and our place in it, we could live a virtuous life in accordance with reason and nature.

This approach advocates the development of self-control and resilience against destructive emotions, like anger, fear, or resentment.

The ultimate goal is to achieve a state of ataraxia (inner peace) and apatheia (emotionlessness) where the individual is not controlled by the emotions and is able to act rationally and ethically.

Origins of Stoicism

The origins of Stoicism can be traced back to ancient Greece, specifically to the city of Athens, where the philosopher Zeno of Citium founded the Stoic school of philosophy in the early 3rd century BCE.

Zeno was a student of the Cynic philosopher Crates of Thebes, but he rejected the Cynics’ way of life and instead focused on developing a rational system of ethics.

The Stoic philosophy was then developed by other philosophers such as Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius.

These philosophers are considered the three most prominent Stoics, and their texts, particularly the Enchiridion of Epictetus and the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, continue to be read and studied today.

Stoicism was popular among the educated elite of ancient Rome and it has had a significant influence on Western thought, it was a philosophy that was primarily concerned with personal ethics and self-improvement, it was a way of life and a way to find peace and wisdom within oneself and the world.

Stoicism was taught in famous places like the Stoa Poikile or painted porch in Athens, the Stoic school was one of the most influential and prominent schools of philosophy in ancient Greece and Rome.

Benefits of Stoicism

Stoicism can offer many benefits for those who choose to adopt its principles and practices.

Some of these benefits include:

• Inner peace and contentment: By accepting the present moment and focusing on what is within our control, we can avoid becoming consumed by negative emotions such as anger, fear, or resentment. This can lead to a sense of inner peace and contentment.
• Improved ability to handle stress and adversity: Stoicism teaches us to maintain a clear and rational mindset in difficult situations, which can help us to better handle stress and adversity.
• Self-control and resilience: Stoicism emphasizes the importance of self-control and resilience, helping us to develop the ability to maintain our composure and make rational decisions, even in difficult or challenging situations.
• Virtue development: Stoicism emphasizes the development of virtues such as wisdom, integrity, courage and self-control which can improve one’s character and make them a better person.
• Rational perspective: It encourages rational thinking, rather than emotional reactions, and to see things in a more objective perspective.
• Improves decision making: By focusing on what is within our control, and letting go of what is not, we can make more effective and well-informed decisions.
• Self-awareness and self-improvement: Through the practice of stoicism, we can become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and actions, which can help us to identify areas for self-improvement.
• Acceptance: Stoicism encourages acceptance of the present moment, and teaches that by accepting what we cannot change, we can let go of negative emotions, and find a sense of peace.

In general, Stoicism can lead to a more balanced, virtuous and rational way of life, which can have a positive impact on one’s personal and professional life.

How to Apply Stoicism in Your Life

To apply Stoicism in your life, you can try the following practical tips and examples:

1. Self-awareness: Start by becoming more aware of your thoughts and emotions. Try to identify when you are getting caught up in negative emotions and try to step back and observe them from a distance. This will help you to understand your own thought patterns, which can aid in self-improvement.
2. Acceptance: Practice acceptance by focusing on what is within your control and letting go of things you cannot control. This will help to reduce feelings of frustration and powerlessness, and improve your ability to cope with difficult situations.
3. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness, meditation and journaling to help with self-awareness and to practice acceptance. This can also improve emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility and self-awareness,
4. Practice gratitude: Try to focus on what you have rather than what you don’t have, and practice gratitude for the positive things in your life.
5. Separate what you can change and what you cannot change: Try to separate things you can change and things you cannot change, this will help to reduce feelings of frustration and powerlessness.
6. Negative visualization: Practice negative visualization, where you imagine losing something you hold dear, so you can appreciate what you have. This will help you to develop a sense of perspective and gratitude.
7. Cultivate virtues: Cultivate virtues such as integrity, courage, wisdom, and self-control. Incorporating these values into your life can improve your character and lead to a more virtuous and fulfilling life.
8. Keep a rational perspective: Try to keep a rational perspective in difficult situations. Remember that emotions are temporary and that things will pass. Practice rationality and logical thinking.
9. Read and study the works of Stoic philosophers: Read and study the works of Stoic philosophers such as Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. These philosophers offer valuable insights and practical advice on how to apply Stoicism in daily life.
10. Start small: Try to apply stoic principles in small aspects of your life, such as how to deal with a traffic jam, or an unresponsive coworker, small victories will make it easier to apply it to bigger aspects of your life.
11. Be mindful of your actions: Be mindful of your actions and the choices you make, always try to act in a virtuous way.
12. Focus on what is essential: Stoicism teaches to focus on what is essential, prioritize your goals and values, and let go of things that don’t align with them.
13. Be resilient: Cultivate resilience, practice facing difficult challenges and setbacks with a calm, rational, and detached attitude.

Famous Examples of Stoicism

There have been many famous historical figures who have applied Stoicism in their lives and have shared their practical advice on how to live a virtuous and fulfilling life.

Some of the most notable figures include:

• Epictetus: A slave turned philosopher who taught that the key to happiness is to focus on our own actions rather than external events. He taught that by understanding the difference between what we can control and what we cannot control, we can reduce feelings of frustration and powerlessness. Epictetus emphasized the importance of self-discipline, and stated that the mind should be trained to remain calm in the face of adversity.
• Seneca: A Roman philosopher and statesman who wrote extensively on the practical application of Stoicism in daily life. Seneca believed that by understanding the nature of the universe, we can live in accordance with reason and nature, and that we should focus on cultivating virtues such as wisdom, courage, and self-control. He also stressed the importance of self-awareness and self-improvement.
• Marcus Aurelius: Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher who wrote in his famous book “Meditations” about how to live a virtuous life in the face of adversity. Marcus Aurelius advocated for the importance of virtue, self-control and rationality. He also emphasized the need to detach oneself from emotions, to focus on what is in one’s control, and to live a life of service to others.

All these figures and many others, offer practical advice on how to apply Stoicism in daily life, their works are still read and studied today, for the valuable insights and wisdom that they provide.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that can offer many benefits for those new to it.

It emphasizes the development of self-control and resilience against destructive emotions, and encourages accepting the present moment and focus on what is in one’s control, leading to inner peace and contentment.

It also offers valuable insights on how to handle stress and adversity, virtues development and rational thinking, making it a valuable tool to improve one’s personal and professional life and find inner peace.

Now that I have shared what stoicism is about, and the practical ways you can apply it in your life, do you think this is a life philosophy which you will want to adopt?

For those already embracing this philosophy, what are some other ways which you have applied stoicism in your life?

Let me know in the comments below.

If you are excited to get more life hacks, also check out: “Beyond Financial Freedom: An Unofficial Guide to Living Your Best Life”