Seneca said we should rehearse misfortune in good times, not to spoil them, but so trouble doesn't find us soft and unprepared. A sailor doesn't learn to sail in the storm. The Stoics quietly imagined loss, hardship, and setback while life was steady, so that when difficulty came, it felt familiar rather than crushing. You can do a gentle version of this: a little voluntary discomfort, a calm look at what you'd do if a fear came true. Strangely, facing it on purpose often shrinks the dread. The unknown is scarier than the rehearsed. Today, do one small hard thing willingly, or calmly think through a worry, and notice you're more able than fear suggested.

Inspired by the old idea of voluntary discomfort. Written by Ugo Charles.