Turning Obstacles into Opportunities: The Stoic Approach to Estate Planning

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

This powerful quote from the ancient Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius captures a profound truth about human nature and our approach to obstacles. When applied to estate planning, it offers valuable insights into why we procrastinate on preparing our wills and how we might reframe this essential task.

The Wisdom in Obstacles

Marcus Aurelius, writing in his personal journal nearly two thousand years ago (later published as “Meditations”), was reminding himself that obstacles aren’t merely barriers to progress—they often become the very path forward. In Stoic philosophy, the things that block our path can become the path itself if we approach them with the right mindset.

Why We Avoid Estate Planning

When it comes to preparing a will, many of us encounter psychological obstacles that seem insurmountable:

1. Confronting mortality: Perhaps the most obvious impediment is facing our own mortality. Creating a will requires acknowledging that someday we won’t be here.
2. Decision fatigue: Deciding who gets what, who will serve as guardians for minor children, or who will execute our wishes can feel overwhelming.
3. Family complexity: Blended families, estranged relationships, or concerns about potential conflicts make estate planning emotionally charged.
4. Financial uncertainty: Some worry they don’t have enough assets to justify a will, or that their financial situation will change, making current plans obsolete.
5. Perceived complexity: Many believe estate planning is overly complicated, time-consuming, or expensive.

The Stoic Solution: Embracing the Obstacle

Following Marcus Aurelius’s wisdom, what if we viewed these very obstacles not as reasons to avoid estate planning, but as the pathway to a more thoughtful, intentional approach to our legacy?

Mortality as Motivation

Confronting our mortality, while uncomfortable, can be profoundly clarifying. It focuses our attention on what truly matters and whom we truly care about. By accepting this reality, we gain the freedom to make decisions aligned with our deepest values.

Difficult Decisions as Opportunities for Clarity

The decisions required in creating a will—identifying beneficiaries, selecting guardians, choosing executors—force us to clarify our priorities and values. What initially feels like decision fatigue becomes an opportunity to express what matters most to us.

Family Complexity as a Chance for Healing

For those with complicated family situations, the estate planning process can become an opportunity to address unresolved issues, communicate intentions clearly, and potentially heal relationships before it’s too late.

Financial Reality Check

Creating a will provides a valuable opportunity to assess our current financial situation realistically and ensure our loved ones are protected regardless of the size of our estate.

Taking the First Step

At SmartWills, we understand that the obstacles to creating your estate plan are real. But following Marcus Aurelius’s wisdom, we invite you to see these challenges not as roadblocks, but as the very path to creating a meaningful legacy. The impediment to action—whether fear, uncertainty, or complexity—can advance your action if you allow it to guide you toward greater clarity about what matters most.

Ready to turn obstacles into opportunities? Contact Peter today to schedule your consultation.

Check out our learning centre for how to get started and free planning tools!