I am pretty good during emergency situations. When the shit hits the fan, I become extremely calm, focused and hyper-aware.
This allows me to be very effective under pressure. So when there’s an accident, an injury, or some other unexpected event that requires immediate action, I do well.
Some people get panicky or flustered in times of crisis. I don’t.
It comes naturally to me. I didn’t train for it and I’m certainly no tough guy. I suppose it has something to do with being introverted – I go quiet and “inside” when under pressure.
On the flip side, I have noticed a pattern of not doing well when I am under chronic stress. Instead of being focused on the problem at hand, my mind races to solve other problems.
Tomorrow, my wife has her surgery for lung cancer. We’ve been under a lot stress since she was first diagnosed five months ago.
Over the past few weeks, in addition to completing her tests and working through the surgery logistics, I thought it would be a good idea for me to:
- Completely change my workout routine (twice!).
- Shut down my consulting business.
- Begin a job search.
- Consider downsizing to live in a van.
Just writing this down helps me realize how ridiculous this is.
While these things might merit consideration, now is not the time to tackle any of them.
I know that. But sometimes my mind still seeks to solve the wrong problem.
So instead of taking action on any of these issues, I am going to maintain status quo on all of them. None of them require immediate thought or action.
I need to focus on helping my wife through today. Then tomorrow. Then the next day. Then the next few weeks.
In time, everything else will work itself out.