Composure, especially for me, is one of the most important contributing factors in my search for happiness. Emotional stability is essential in all of our lives, and composure under pressure is most definitely a key aspect of that. In any conflict, misunderstanding, or emotional distress, it is imperative that we remain composed; both to evaluate our position in a calm manner, but also to maintain control of the situation, mainly control over our own mind.

Maintaining composure, is easy to say, and it's also easy to set up processes and systems to help create that control when required. However, when tested in the heat of the moment, it can become increasingly difficult to maintain it.

Seneca said, “To bear trials with a calm mind robs misfortune of its strength and burden.” When we allow our anger, fear, or an assortment of alternative emotions to affect our composure, we lose control. This allows both misrepresentation of our true selves to appear, miscalculation of our true thoughts and emotions, and most likely a less than satisfactory response in the moment.

Throughout stages in my life, I have at times failed to stay composed in certain moments and have subsequently made bad decisions that resulted in negative outcomes. Looking back on those moments, I have learned valuable lessons, evaluated my position(s), and sought a deeper understanding of my thought process at that time and how I could have improved upon it.

What I have realized is that maintaining composure is a fundamental skill and attribute that is crucial in all aspects of my life. It is something I need to continually train and uphold in order to succeed in my pursuit of happiness. Failing to maintain composure creates unnecessary barriers and unnecessary emotional challenges.

It’s important to learn what creates emotional instability in our minds, what tests our composure, and how we can construct controls in order to maintain composure when required. This is a fundamental attribute in the search for happiness.

Thanks,

Dean