Prosarchesis

The mental preparation and alignment of thought before a difficult situation or trial, in order to respond appropriately.

Prosarchesis (Greek προ- pro: before, ahead + ἀρχή archē: beginning, origin, principle) denotes, in Stoic thought, the proactive state of inner disposition that one establishes before entering a trial or challenge. It is not a reaction in the midst of crisis, but a preparation of the hegemonikon (the ruling faculty), consolidated through daily practice so that the correct attitude is available in the critical moment. Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca developed this practice as a fundamental tool of Stoic living.