According to the Stoics, life is governed by the: Dichotomy of Control. As an individual accept responsibility for your situation — no matter how distressing — and take the initiative to make things better by allowing your values to determine the choices you make. By focusing on things you have control over, you see that your actions affect the world, which is empowering. The feeling of empowerment you get by focusing on things you have control over, prompts you to take more action — thus creating a virtuous cycle. It is all a matter of choice.