• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Pedro Carrion

Leadership, Travel, and International Affairs

  • Home
  • About Me/Contact Me
  • Advertising Disclosure
  • Quotes
  • Connect To Your Calling
  • Travel Tips
  • The Pedro School of International Affairs
You are here: Home / Archives for Life's Lessons

Life's Lessons

How to Appear Calm while Freaking Out

By Pedro Leave a Comment

how to appear calm pedrocarrion.com

Do you have a tendency to freak out? Are you a leader? Let me ask you a better question. What do you do to appear calm while freaking out on the inside?

I’d like to say that leaders don’t freak out, but that’s just not true. Leaders do freak out, but the best leaders have the experience and wisdom to navigate even the most difficult challenges. This either makes them stay calm through the storm or allows them to give the appearance of calm through the storm.

I’d like to share with you tips on how to appear calm while freaking out on the inside. These tips are in no particular order on focus on the appearance of being calm.

30 tips on how to appear calm while freaking out!

  1. Smile

    Smiling released endorphins, even if it’s a fake smile. Also, it gives those around you a sense of peace.

  2. Walk slower

    Walking fast likely won’t save you any useful time, it’ll just make you appear nervous and frazzled. People don’t like interacting with individuals who are constantly nervous and frazzled.

  3. Arrive early

    Talking about being frazzled, do you know that person that is constantly late to everything? They’re also likely never prepared. Don’t be that person. Even if you’re not prepared, arrive early.

  4. Compliment someone

    In the middle of the storm, give someone a compliment. Tell someone what a good job they’re doing or how you’re happy they’re on the team. Do it publicly, it’ll allow people to see that you have vision beyond your current crisis.

  5. Sit down and have a cup of coffee

    Are you serious? Yes, I am. Coffee stimulates the mind, so take a breather and have some coffee.

  6. Don’t fidget, even if you normally do

    I normally fidget, even when I’m not nervous, but many people see this as a sign of being nervous, so don’t do it.

  7. Don’t be short with people

    There’s nothing worse than a person who snaps at others as soon as they’re under stress. I see this as a sign of weakness and an inability to control one’s emotions. I can also tell you that after working in surgery for years, the best surgeons are the ones who don’t snap at people when under stress.

  8. Laugh at yourself

    Or at least laugh at the situation. Note, a life or death situation is probably not something to laugh at, but you’d be surprised what happens in an operating room.

  9. Don’t assume people understand you

    It’s easy to gloss over details when you’re stressed, especially in conversations with people. Don’t assume that someone understands what you’re saying or what you mean.

  10. Speak slower

    A key to getting someone to understand you is to speak slower than you normally would. It also forces someone to listen more intently.

  11. Speak softly

    Another way to force someone to listen more intently is to speak softly, but only do this when you have their full attention. Also, learn how to command a room with your voice.

  12. Take the time to think through challenges

    Nothing is worse that reworking, make an attempt to really think through things in order to avoid this.

  13. Be decisive

    When you make a plan, stick to you and move forward. Don’t second guess yourself.

  14. Make as few unnecessary decisions as possible

    When things really get crazy, don’t waste your mental abilities on what doesn’t really matter.

  15. Be grateful

    Be appreciative for what you have, even the challenges.

  16. Don’t worry about what you can’t control

    You could spend your entire life worrying about possibly getting a disease only to die in a car accident. That’s out of your control, so don’t worry about it. Just about everything is outside of your control, so don’t worry.

  17. Don’t worry about what you can’t influence

    You can influence a lot, some you can’t. For those life or work decisions that you can’t influence, just go with it.

  18. Don’t worry about what will likely not happen

    Beyond what it outside of your control or influence are things that likely will not happen. Don’t spend energy worrying about these things.

  19. Share your concerns with the appropriate people

    If you’re part of a team who takes on responsibility together, then you would be a fool to take things on by yourself. Don’t be a fool.

  20. Don’t share your concerns with inappropriate people

    If your concerns are private, don’t share them with work people. If your concerns are work related, don’t share them with your family.

  21. Don’t overeat

    The easiest thing to do when stressed is to overeat. Doing this won’t help you at all and will show everyone that you have no willpower.

  22. Don’t overdrink

    I’m not just talking about alcohol, that would be obvious. I’m talking about overdrinking coffee, which will make you fidgety and even overdrinking water, which will make you constantly have to use the restroom.

  23. Eat the right foods

    Don’t eat too many carbs and try to stick with high quality meats. It will energize you and keep you fuller for longer. Also, think about this. Who elicits more respect, someone eating a steak or someone eating a crepe?

  24. Stand up straight

    Don’t slouch. Stand up and sit up straight, others will respect you for it.

  25. Don’t do anything that’s unnecessary

    When it’s crunch time, don’t waste physical or mental energy on something unnecessary.

  26. Do something unnecessary

    This is a caveat to number 26. Sometimes you have to do something unnecessary to give your mind a break. This also serves to show others that you’re in control.

  27. Take a nap or zone out

    Again, this will refresh your body and mind. If you’re really stressing out, you won’t be able to take a nap, but you could zone out and achieve a similar response. Here’s the thing about this, don’t zone out because you’re stressed out and need to get away. Zone out so you can come back stronger.. get it?

  28. Be understanding when others do the opposite of these tips

    Everyone handles stress in different ways. Be understanding of that and don’t hold it against people when they can’t stay calm or even appear calm.

  29. Wake up earlier than usual

    Waking up earlier allows your brain to start processing necessary information without feeling constantly rushed. It also sets you up to arrive early and look prepared.

  30. Always Keep Calm and Carrion

How do you appear calm on the outside while freaking out on the inside?

March 31, 2017Filed Under: Life's Lessons

The Abolitionist, Jesus Following, Owner of Miami Tattoo Co – Amor

By Pedro Leave a Comment

Miami Tattoo Co

Some people are perfectly content keeping their heads down in a cubicle their entire lives. Other people are like Amor. They go from corporate employee to owning Miami Tattoo Co and fighting human trafficking. Yes, you heard that right. Amor owns Miami Tattoo Co and fights human trafficking through DeliverFund.

I could not believe that Human Trafficking was occurring in our country. I was of the side that believed it only happened in other countries. I was immediately torn and from that day on I began to raise awareness about Human Trafficking in our country and in my city, Miami.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Amor about her life, Miami Tattoo Co, and her work as an Abolitionist.

[Read more…] about The Abolitionist, Jesus Following, Owner of Miami Tattoo Co – Amor

February 22, 2017Filed Under: Leadership, Life's Lessons, Risky Leadership

Keep Calm and Carrion: Practical Ways to Destress

By Pedro 1 Comment

 

images

Within the first two weeks of January, I was asked numerous times by numerous people how I can appear so calm through a storm. What do I do to destress? What are some practical ways to destress yourself? They wanted to know how I can be so calm with so much to do in so little time. One of my coworkers says it’s just my personality, she says that I have a calming effect. I’m just naturally destressed, maybe.

Although when I think about it, I haven’t always been able to find practical ways to destress during crazy times. There were times in my life when I felt overwhelmed, desperate, and anxious. I’ve done things over the years and have developed “coping mechanisms” that allow me to keep calm and carry on.

I’d like to share with you 9 Practical Ways to Destress.

[Read more…] about Keep Calm and Carrion: Practical Ways to Destress

January 24, 2017Filed Under: Leadership, Life's Lessons

5 Practical Ways to Determine the Right Ministry Fit

By Pedro 2 Comments

-1x-1

Have you ever had a pair of shoes that felt like they were custom made for your feet? Maybe they weren’t even that expensive, but they were so comfortable, you could’ve worn them every day. Maybe you did wear them every day.

Fit is a strange thing. It’s malleable, not rigid. Over the years, I’ve had numerous pairs of shoes that fit me like a glove. Rarely, though, did it start off like that. Most of the time, the shoes started off fitting somewhat average or a little above average. Over time, the more I wore them, the more comfortable they got.

Things adjusted. The shoes adjust and I believe our preferences adjust.

[Read more…] about 5 Practical Ways to Determine the Right Ministry Fit

January 13, 2017Filed Under: Leadership, Life's Lessons

Top 10 Most Read Posts of 2016

By Pedro Leave a Comment

2016

When you think of 2016, you may think of Harambe, Trump, exploding phones, stock market breakthroughs, or ISIS. You may laugh or cry, probably cry. But one thing is for sure, thousands of you have visited this site for one reason or another, and I thank you.

These are the Top 10 most read posts of 2016. This list takes into account all pageviews from January 1, 2016 until today, December 30, 2016. Most of these posts focus on organizational development of volunteer organizations. Some are random. Still, here they are. Number 1 is the most read post of the year, three years running, and it surprises me to see this every time.

[Read more…] about Top 10 Most Read Posts of 2016

December 30, 2016Filed Under: Children's Ministry, Church Lessons, International Affairs, Leadership, Life's Lessons, Missions and Outreach, Productivity, Samaritan's Purse, Security, Wifeless Survival

8 Lessons from 8 Years of Marriage

By Pedro 1 Comment

IMG_7378

I met my wife in the summer of 2007. I was living abroad at the time and needed a translator. Her father was a pastor I was working with and offered to provide one. Little did he know that one year later I would be marrying his translator/daughter! Not too long ago, my wife and I celebrated 8 years of marriage. Time has flown by. We’ve become parents, we’ve matured, and we’ve learned a few things along the way. We’re not experts and we don’t pretend to be, but we do know a thing or two. Below, I’d like to share with you 8 things, in no particular order, that I’ve learned in 8 years of being married.

[Read more…] about 8 Lessons from 8 Years of Marriage

October 7, 2016Filed Under: Life's Lessons

11 Rules for Killing It at Company Parties and Events

By Pedro Leave a Comment

CjPR788UgAABUte

Photo Credit to https://twitter.com/TheRoyalButler

Congratulations! You were just invited to that work party/event/BBQ/Christmas gathering. Whatever it is, you’re expecting to have a relaxing evening, sipping on some champagne, making friendly small talk with your coworkers. You’re hoping to have some fun. If that’s the case, I’m about to bust your bubble…

[Read more…] about 11 Rules for Killing It at Company Parties and Events

October 4, 2016Filed Under: International Affairs, Leadership, Life's Lessons

3 Lessons from 3 Years at Samaritan’s Purse

By Pedro Leave a Comment

samaritans-purse

 

In July, I celebrated my third year of working at Samaritan’s Purse, specifically, on the Operation Christmas Child team. Everyone always wants to know how I like it. Let me tell you a little bit about Operation Christmas Child, are you ready? Honestly, it’s awesome! I’ve learned a lot over the last three years. Many would like to know where to get empty shoeboxes or how to volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse, but you can go on our website for that. I have learned a ton about Operation Christmas Child and what makes it the world leader in children’s evangelism. It would be impossible for me to share all of those lessons, but I would like to give you three of them…… [Read more…] about 3 Lessons from 3 Years at Samaritan’s Purse

September 29, 2016Filed Under: Life's Lessons, Samaritan's Purse

Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

IMG_8081 Welcome to my site! Here I write about leadership, travel, and international affairs. For more information about what I do, go here.  

Most Popular

  • 5 Characteristics of Strategic Resources
  • A Yemeni Muslim, Israeli Muslim, and Palestinian Christian Face Off – Not a Joke, it’s Arab Idol
  • American Airlines Admirals Club – Is it worth it?
  • Don’t Say “Thank You” To Your Volunteers
  • Arrogance begets Ignorance
  • Does the Effective Manager take a break?
  • 6 Characteristics of High Performance Teams
  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
  • Top 10 Reasons to Pack an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox!
  • Matters of the Heart
  • About Me/Contact Me
  • Paleo + George Foreman = America
  • 4 Lessons from 4 Years at Samaritan’s Purse International Relief
  • 3 Reasons this Dallas Cowboy is my Sports Hero
  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Recently Published

  • 10 Things You NEVER say to a Designer
  • 11 Ways to Retain Volunteers
  • What does gaming eyewear or computer glasses do?
  • What are SMART Goals and how to set them
  • A few things you should know about Operation Christmas Child
  • 20 Tips on Recruiting Volunteers
  • YouTube or Vimeo and what’s Ooyala: Which is better for your Ministry?
  • 4 Lessons from 4 Years at Samaritan’s Purse International Relief
  • 7 Ministry Principles Your Volunteers Need to Know
  • Reasons Kids Wild Out in Children’s Ministry
Static 2 - Post Rebrand

Copyright © 2023 · PedroCarrion.com