Weekly Thought Archives > Poise, Not Panic

Poise, Not Panic

Panic is inevitable if you don't create a mental discipline against it. High praise is given to those who "keep their heads when all around them are losing theirs." This is usually not a spur of the moment reaction --- this is the result of careful mental preparation and discipline.

These "spontaneous" reactions are developed well before they are needed.
Don't believe you can wait for a crisis before thinking through your reactions. You may be too dead for that.

One of the mental games I play is imagining all kinds of emergencies and creating exit strategies. I found early on the first step in each was "Don't Panic." Control of thought in action and reaction is key. Panic opens the door to fear and then instinct takes over ---- often disastrously. We lose the value of our experience.

Police officers with canine partners are trained over and over to trust the dog over human instinct. The dog's preparation and lack of emotional involvement makes him a much safer decision maker. Dogs don't panic.

Panic practice is an interesting game. You can practice anywhere - and everywhere. Often, I use the time in traffic this way. I practice on the golf tee by imagining certain people standing by, watching, and even criticizing. I notice it even affects my shot. It simulates actual conditions much like a pilot in training.

You may think I am nuts, but here is an example: the other night in a crowded church, I imagined a fire and thought of the best reactions under a variety of scenarios I created. What if the crowd rushed to one door? How would I get them to divide and use all the exits? What would I say? What would I do?

I am sure the pastor thought my animated attention was a response to his powerful preaching!

Think about financial problems brought on by sudden, outside, unpredictable factors. For example, what would you do if the market crashed, or the dollar was devalued? Think through your strategy.

Consider these: family emergencies, accidents, deaths, fires, storms, even heart attacks.

Or, what if you were suddenly called on to make a speech? A business associate told me of being asked to offer a toast and totally blanked, suffering sheer panic. Consider how you would react if asked to speak and keep the panic at bay.

Imagine car problems such as a blow-out, another driver's running a red light, or mechanical failure. What would you do? The more vivid your imagination, the better you can prepare your reactions to avoid panic.

Our daughter, Brenda, regularly reminds me that most people don't live this way. I admit I am a little off the chart, but I am convinced poise, not panic is the path for effective leadership.

It is important to know this practice isn't borrowing trouble. I do not believe that thinking about these situations makes them happen --- that is hogwash. Thinking about the possible, even probable, situations helps build a solid emotional structure. Panic and excellent performance cannot coexist.

One last word: practice when little bumps occur. Don't think you can prepare for a big crisis by waiting for it and hoping for the best. Hone your skills in the everyday opportunities.

Oswald Chambers spoke of temptation and I loosely paraphrase him, applying it to panic: "Don't believe you will be able to resist the big temptations (panic) and stand when you have been falling before the little ones. Your failing the little temptations (panics) will form a pattern for failing the big ones."

It is false heroism to think you will stand against the big ones when the little ones defeat you.

This week ponder: 1) How prepared am I mentally, emotionally, spiritually? 2) When problems arise, what helps me develop a solution? 3) Who is a good model for poise, not panic?

Words of Wisdom: "Panic and excellent performance cannot coexist."

Wisdom from the Word: "Be strong and brave! Don't be afraid and don't panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do." (Joshua 1:9 NET Bible)