The Priority Of Calmness

Calmness is the cradle of power – Joshua Gilbert-Holland. 

A Lack of Calmness

Without calmness, we are at the mercy of our emotional defaults. We become like a cork bobbing in the sea of whatever is happening. We react instead of responding. We allow our negative emotions to lead even at the expense of the future. Like toddlers, we throw tantrums every time the waves of life rage to a level that we find challenging to navigate. Calmness helps us diffuse our emotions and keep them in check through self-control. Calmness gives us disciplined consistency when negative emotions rise to impede our decision-making. When adversity strikes, calmness should be prioritized to maintain clarity of mind and emotional stability. Artist LL Cool J said, “When adversity strikes, that’s when you have to be the most calm. Take a step back, stay strong, stay grounded, and press on.“ Why should we prioritize calmness? 

Prioritizing Calmness

Calmness is a confidence builder. The phrase “keep calm and carry on” was a British slogan written on posters to boost confidence and morale during World War II in the face of impending threats and attacks on Britain. We can use the same motto today in the face of multiple unknowns. Calmness reminds us that tough times don’t last, but tough people do. Building confidence through calmness helps us remain stable when life gets shaky. 

Calmness keeps us even-keeled. It safeguards against the default reactions that come with life’s pressures. Calmness helps us set higher standards and maintain them in the heat of the moment. My work colleagues have cited my ability to stay calm under challenging circumstances as admirable. Without calmness, our circumstances dictate our actions, which are not always the best. It’s easy to sacrifice your values on the altar of your current circumstance or environment, but that can lead to regrettable decisions and actions. Focus is possible when we prioritize calmness. People admire someone who can stay calm and make the right decisions when tensions are high. You can depend on such a person to remain steady and navigate the waves of life successfully.

Calmness is key to mental health. The statistics on mental health may paint a grim picture of the future, but calmness can turn back the tide of mental crisis. A positive mindset is attributed to staying calm when negative thought patterns infiltrate the mind. Our thought life is like a garden. Without proper care, weeds can grow and infect our thoughts. Prioritizing calmness keeps the weeds of doubt, fear, and anxiety at bay while fostering an environment where healthy thoughts can thrive. A calm mind is the ultimate weapon against challenges. Author Brian Tracy encourages you to “set peace of mind as your highest goal and organize your life around it.”

A calm mind is the ultimate weapon against challenges.

Final Thought: Our world is fraught with opportunities to lose our cool by allowing our current circumstances and environment to take our mental faculties captive. Through calmness, we can remain stable, resilient, and composed mentally.

Keep on keeping on!