One of my favorite analogies is the “duck in a pond” analogy. Basically, on the surface, the duck looks calm and collected. However, underwater, the feet kick incessantly. What is seen on the surface is the complete opposite of what is happening if we dig a little deeper. The duck is doing the hard work necessary to get the job done, which is staying afloat, but it is displaying a calm presence. How this translates to humanity is completely related to our outward behavior. Regardless of the emotions and thoughts that go on in the head, the external appearance should remain calm. Anger, frustration, happiness, sadness, or emotion can be similarly represented through our behavior. When something needs to be accomplished, imagine yourself as the duck in the pond.
When we find ourselves in a variety of situations where something needs to be accomplished, be it a task, a work deadline, or an emergency situation, all kinds of thoughts and emotions run through our minds. These thoughts and emotions cause us to express ourselves externally in many ways. Certainly emergency situations give us an adrenaline rush and we move much faster. When we need to meet a deadline at work, we focus more. Whatever the situation, we must always maintain a calm and focused demeanor. We can be very emotional and erratic on the inside, and still maintain the same behavior on the outside. This helps create an atmosphere of trust and also helps keep things organized. When we have a calm demeanor on the outside, it keeps those around us calm and not sporadic. In a composite environment, people can think more clearly and perform necessary tasks.
To maintain a calm demeanor, do your best not to show your inner emotions on the outside. There is no hard and fast rule on how to do it. Some good techniques include deep breathing to help us calm down. The practice of maintaining a calm demeanor is certainly easier for some people than for others depending on personality types. Some people are naturally calmer than others. The bottom line is to maintain a calm demeanor that is created by being composed on the outside despite the emotions that are occurring on the inside. It’s just something that needs to be done, so find out the best way to do it for yourself.
In any situation where important work needs to be completed, remember to keep your composure outside as it creates a calm environment for yourself and others. Remember how the duck in the pond looks calm above the water, while the paws continually kick under the water. Represents a calm demeanor on the outside despite what is happening on the inside.