Complete Guide: StoicAdvice API Integration with Apple Notes

Transform your daily reflection practice by automatically importing Stoic wisdom into Apple Notes. Perfect for iPhone and iPad users who want to build a consistent journaling habit with meaningful prompts.

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Why Use StoicAdvice with Apple Notes?

Universal Access

Works across all your Apple devices - iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Your Stoic reflections sync automatically via iCloud.

Instant Habit Building

Automated daily prompts make it effortless to maintain a consistent journaling practice. Ancient wisdom delivered exactly when you need it.

Rich Text Support

Apple Notes' formatting capabilities let you highlight quotes, add sketches, and organize your reflections beautifully.

What You'll Need

Device Requirements

  • iPhone or iPad with iOS 13 or later
  • Apple Notes app (pre-installed)
  • iOS Shortcuts app (pre-installed)

Account Requirements

  • Free StoicAdvice account
  • Your personal API key
  • 5 minutes for setup

Step-by-Step Integration Guide

1

Get Your StoicAdvice API Key

First, you'll need to sign up for StoicAdvice and generate your personal API key.

  1. Visit app.stoicadvice.com and create your free account
  2. Complete the email verification process
  3. Navigate to the "API Access" page
  4. Generate a new API key and copy it to your clipboard
  5. Keep this key secure - you'll need it for the Shortcut setup

Pro Tip: Your API key is free forever and gives you access to daily Stoic wisdom. Premium features unlock personalized content and advanced prompts.

2

Download the StoicAdvice Shortcut

We've created a pre-built Shortcut that handles all the technical details for you.

  1. Open this link on your iPhone or iPad:
    2. Get StoicAdvice → Apple Notes Shortcut
  2. Tap "Get Shortcut" to add it to your Shortcuts app
  3. When prompted, tap "Add Shortcut" to confirm
  4. The shortcut will appear in your Shortcuts library

What it does: This shortcut fetches your daily Stoic template from the API and creates a formatted note in Apple Notes with quotes, prompts, and reflection questions.

3

Configure Your API Key

The shortcut will automatically prompt you to enter your API key the first time you use it.

📱 Easy Setup (Recommended)

  1. Run the "StoicAdvice Notes" shortcut by tapping on it
  2. The shortcut will ask you to "Enter your StoicAdvice API key"
  3. Paste your API key from Step 1 and tap "Done"
  4. Your API key is now saved and the shortcut will work automatically

🔧 Manual Setup (If needed)

If you skip the import question, you can manually configure the API key:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your device
  2. Find the "StoicAdvice Notes" shortcut and tap the three dots (•••) to edit it
  3. Look for the first "Text" action with an empty content
  4. Tap on it and paste your API key from Step 1
  5. Tap "Done" to save the changes

Pro Tip: The import question only appears the first time you run the shortcut. Once configured, it will work automatically every time without asking for your API key again.

4

Test Your Setup

Before setting up automation, let's make sure everything works correctly.

  1. In the Shortcuts app, tap on your "StoicAdvice Notes" shortcut to run it
  2. The shortcut should fetch today's Stoic template and open Apple Notes
  3. You should see a new note with today's quote and prompts
  4. If something doesn't work, double-check your API key in Step 3

What your note will look like:

Daily Stoic Reflection - January 12, 2025

Quote of the Day:

"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." — Marcus Aurelius

Morning Reflection:

What aspects of today are within my control? What am I grateful for this morning?

Evening Reflection:

How did I practice Stoic principles today? What can I learn from today's challenges?

5

Set Up Daily Automation

Make it completely automatic so you never forget to journal.

  1. Open the Shortcuts app and tap the "Automation" tab at the bottom
  2. Tap the "+" button to create a new automation
  3. Choose "Time of Day" from the Personal Automation options
  4. Set your preferred time (e.g., 7:00 AM for morning journaling)
  5. Choose "Daily" for frequency
  6. Tap "Next" and then "Add Action"
  7. Search for "Run Shortcut" and select it
  8. Choose your "StoicAdvice Notes" shortcut
  9. Turn OFF "Ask Before Running" for seamless automation
  10. Tap "Next" and then "Done"

Automation Complete! Your iPhone or iPad will now automatically create a new note with fresh Stoic wisdom every day at your chosen time.

Troubleshooting & Tips

Common Issues

"Shortcut failed to run"

Double-check your API key is correctly pasted. Ensure you have internet connection.

"No note created"

Make sure Apple Notes has permission to receive data from Shortcuts in Settings > Privacy & Security.

"Automation doesn't run"

Check that "Ask Before Running" is disabled and your device isn't in Low Power Mode.

Pro Tips

Organize with folders

Create a dedicated "Stoic Reflections" folder in Apple Notes to keep all your entries organized.

Multiple daily prompts

Create separate automations for morning reflection (7 AM) and evening review (9 PM).

Cross-device sync

Your notes sync across all Apple devices via iCloud - journal on iPhone, review on iPad or Mac.

Ready to Transform Your Journaling Practice?

Join thousands of users who've built consistent reflection habits with StoicAdvice and Apple Notes. Ancient wisdom meets modern technology.

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