Be a duck—cool up top, hustle like hell below

You’re in the flow, handling business, and then—wham—a last-minute “dumpster fire” request, a tense email, or that classic passive-aggressive comment slides into your slack DMs.

Anxiety, conflict, stress? They’re part of the game. But here’s the thing folks: it’s not about what happens; it’s about how you handle it. That's a full stop thought.

When things get messy, mantra this: be the duck. Calm and cool on top, paddling like hell below the water.

And when stress hits, your body is the first to react. Shoulders tense up, heart starts pounding, mind races. But you’re in control.

Sit up straight, stretch out your neck, roll your shoulders. Even a quick shift in posture sends a message to your brain, “I got this.” Sometimes, that’s all it takes to bring you back to center, right where you need to be.

Ground yourself with a reset.

Feeling a “panic pack” nearby? Here's where a simple reminder to ground you when things feel off becomes the way.

A fidget toy, picture of a loved one, or even a tasty snack can snap you back to the present, reminding you to focus on what’s real, not what’s stressful (because it can ALL be stressful at times).

And yeah, it might sound basic, but never underestimate the power of a few deep breaths when they're not taken on autopilot. A few slow, ones or even a quiet hum activates your vagus nerve, slowing your heart rate and calming your mind.

Real strength? It’s being able to calm your body from the inside out no matter the moment.

Now, let’s talk about conflict.

When tension rises, it’s easy to fire off a quick response and burn a bridge. But before you throw fuel on the fire, pause. Look at it from their side.

What’s pushing the buttons? Flipping the perspective can turn conflict into collaboration or at least forge a path forward.

Sometimes, all it takes is empathy to ease the tension or at least help slow roll it.

And let’s be real: is this issue about the work, or is it personal?

When you target the root of the issue, you cut through the noise and get straight to what matters. Clarity is power—it keeps you from getting dragged into drama and helps you focus on solutions instead of minutiae.

Before you engage, set your goal.

Are you aiming for a quick fix, a long-term solution, or just to keep the peace? Knowing your purpose keeps you steady and intentional, paddling along the water.

Sometimes, letting it go is the strongest move—a like a badass duck. But if you decide to address it, keep it sharp and direct. The way you approach it sets the tone for the entire conversation, remember relationship matters.

At the end of the day, stress and conflict are gonna happen. But with the right moves, you don’t have to let them wreck your day.

Be the duck: calm and cool on the surface, paddling with purpose below. That’s how you stay sharp, stay grounded, and keep things moving forward—no matter what floats your way.