Staying Calm and Composed: Lessons from the Wise
Since stepping into my role as Partner Executive for GSI in Germany at the beginning of May, I have often been asked how I manage to stay so calm and composed, even in challenging situations. Today, I would like to share some insights and reflections that have shaped my approach, and why I believe it is crucial for professional and personal growth.
The Foundation of My Philosophy
One of the foundational pieces of wisdom that has guided me since my childhood comes from William Shakespeare. In Hamlet, he wrote, "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." This statement profoundly impacted me and became a life motto. From a young age, I have pondered its meaning and strived to understand its implications fully. It suggests that our perceptions shape our reality, and thus, our reactions to events are within our control.
My Approach to Calmness
Building on this understanding, my philosophy is straightforward: anger is a choice. When you free yourself from self-imposed rules, you rid yourself of unnecessary anger. Peace and tranquility arise from the understanding that your reactions are your own choice, not dictated by external circumstances.
Seeking Wisdom from the Great Minds
In my quest to understand and refine this approach, I turned to the wisdom of various great minds and scholars who have touched upon these concepts. Figures like Buddha, Epictetus, Goethe, and Mahatma Gandhi have inspired me with their teachings on inner peace and the nature of human reactions.
These thinkers did not directly state that anger is solely a result of self-imposed rules, but their teachings encapsulate the idea that our inner state is the true source of our emotions.
Why the Indirect Teachings?
These scholars and philosophers often framed their teachings in broader contexts to encourage deeper reflection and personal discovery. By not directly stating conclusions, they invited us to engage with their ideas and find our own truths. This method not only respects the individual's journey but also ensures that the lessons learned are internalized and meaningful.
The Unnecessary Anger Epidemic
In my opinion, many people become unnecessarily angry because they cling to rigid expectations and rules about how others should behave and how situations should unfold. When reality does not align with these expectations, frustration and anger ensue. This rigid mindset creates a constant battleground, where peace and composure are the casualties.
My Well-Intentioned Advice
To those who struggle with maintaining calm and composure, I offer this advice: examine the rules and expectations you impose on yourself and others. Are they necessary? Are they realistic? By questioning and adjusting these self-imposed guidelines, you can free yourself from the chains of unnecessary anger and find a path to true tranquility.
In conclusion, embracing the understanding that we hold the power to choose our reactions is transformative. It not only enhances our professional demeanor but also enriches our personal lives. By learning from the wisdom of the great minds who have walked this path before us, we can cultivate a more peaceful, composed, and resilient self.
Stay calm, stay composed, and remember: peace begins within.