As we prepare for a new year, I find myself reflecting on the wisdom of staying calm under pressure—something I’ve witnessed firsthand, both in my personal life and work. “Cooler heads prevail” isn’t just a saying; it’s a critical approach to handling life’s unexpected turns.
A few years ago, my husband and I were driving our motorhome down a winding, steep incline in the Sierra Nevada mountains, with a shear drop on one side. Suddenly, the front right tire blew out – cutting our brake lines, leaving us with only the emergency backup system from the tow car brakes.
Adrenaline surged, my heart raced, and my hearing narrowed as I tried to figure out our next steps. Thankfully, my husband’s training as a first responder kicked in. He stayed calm, assessed the situation, and focused on the most important step: finding a safe place to pull over.
This experience reminded me of how crucial it is to keep a level head, especially when every instinct urges us toward panic. Whether it’s a roadside emergency or a high-stakes decision at work, the ability to step back, breathe, and focus on essential “first steps” is invaluable.
Why “Cooler Heads Prevail” Matters in Business
In professional settings, the stakes may differ, but the importance of calm under pressure remains. As a facilitator, consultant, and coach, I know that navigating complex client needs, unforeseen project changes, and high-stress environments requires clarity and level-headedness. Just like that day in the motorhome, focusing on key priorities and resisting the urge to react impulsively can make all the difference in the outcome.
Three Tips for Keeping a Cool Head Under Pressure
- Pause Before Reacting: Take a moment to center yourself. Even a few seconds can shift your response from reactionary to intentional. Breathe and take stock of your physical location and how your body is feeling. Are you angry or adrenalized? Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn are sympathetic nervous system responses.
- Focus on Priorities: Determine the single most important action you can take in the moment. Just as my husband did that day, finding a “safe spot” can be both a literal and metaphorical way to gain control.
In the 2015 article “Cooler heads prevail: All about perspective and adjusting,” Chief Master Sgt. Jacob P.E. Dunbar emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in managing our reactions. He asserts that while external events and others’ behaviors can influence our emotions, it’s ultimately up to us to control our responses. By developing self-awareness and recognizing our emotional triggers, we can adjust our approach and respond more rationally to various situations. – AFSOC
3. Lean on Experience: Trust your training, experience, or the wisdom of those around you. When faced with a challenge, draw on past moments of strength as a reminder of your ability to handle the unexpected.
Once, during a two-day staff retreat in the mountains, we lost all power—right when snow and ice made heat essential. Suddenly, we had no lights, no heat, no tech, and no way to prepare the meals we’d planned on site. Drawing on the expertise and creativity of those around me, we quickly crafted a solution that turned out even better than expected. It became a shared adventure, allowing everyone to co-design our response and bringing a sense of camaraderie and excitement to the retreat.
Together, let’s enter 2025 with the wisdom of clear minds, steady hands, and the quiet guidance of our hearts. And, if you find you need help for yourself, your team, or your organization, reach out to us here: info@SarahBoxx.com.
