Composure
I have always defined composure as the ability to focus inwards… at all times!
Most people allow a very narrow definition of this extremely important aspect of human maturity.
Dictionary.com defines composure as “serene, self-controlled state of mind; calmness; tranquillity: Despite the hysteria and panic around him, he retained his composure. … equability, serenity, quiet, coolness, equanimity, self-possession”.
Do not mistake Composure for defensive silence, blocking an outburst that might otherwise prove self-defeating. A withheld response does not qualify under this definition!
Composure really means, being fully aware of your own self. It is a result of an inner stability in the knowledge of who you truly are. It is the ability to know that there is no external stimulus big enough to shake you off your grounded being.
And to attain that state, the only way is to turn your focus inwards. There is always going to be enough noise around you to keep you bothered. There are more people that enjoy your lows than the ones that celebrate your highs. There is enough self-centeredness in people to where they have no problem having a ball at your expense. If you are giving in to all of that non-sense and are pretending like you have attained composure while sulking bitterly inside, you are missing the point.
On the flip side, if everything is going great and and you are pumped up, all set to show the rest of the world how great you are… grinning at every turn like an eight year old, you are not composed either!
Composure works both ways. Focusing inwards helps you always keep your ultimate goals in mind. You never lose sight of what you want to accomplish… You are constantly building yourself to that level. Nothing that then happens gets your eyes off the ball.
A big win and an accolade is just another step in the right direction… A set back or an insult is only a little speed bump. Either case, parking for too long on that item is a distraction.
Composure is to remain absorbed in the self… And in your deepest core is the burning desire to achieve what you have set for yourself… And that is bigger than any single win or loss. What everyone else thinks or says, whether good or bad is mere noise. It is at best looked into as an item that potentially has a bearing on or as a distraction to what you truly want to achieve.
Stay composed… Stay goal-oriented… Stay unmoved… Win the war!!!
