Super skill: Creating calm in chaos
Why this matters today
When people find themselves in the midst of chaos, they feel two pains:
The pain of uncertainty, that’s inevitable.
And the pain of reactivity, that’s completely optional.
They can’t see the thin line between choosing a strategic response and panicking about the panic.
In those moments, an untrained mind tries to control what can’t be controlled.
And that makes everything louder inside.
You want steadiness that holds, even when the world feels unpredictable.
You want to feel safe enough to think clearly again.
Super skill
Today’s super skill is stabilise first, then choose.
Step 1. Name what is happening in you.
Say quietly: “This is a shock.” Or “This is fear in my body.”
Do not argue with it. Just label it.
It turns overwhelm into something you can work with.
Step 2. Anchor in one physical cue.
Put both feet on the floor. Feel your breath in your belly. Use your hand to feel it.
Exhale longer than you inhale.
Then orient. Look for 3 neutral objects and name them: “Door, table, light.”
This tells your nervous system, “I am here, right now.”
When your nervous system is anchored, your response becomes wiser.
Step 3. Split what you can control from what you cannot.
Ask: “What is one helpful action that is within my control in the next 10 minutes?”
It might be texting a loved one, moving to a calmer room, drinking water, putting on background sound, or stepping away from constant updates.
Then ask: “What am I trying to control that I cannot?”
Let that part go, even if just 5%.
Why it works:
Labelling recruits attention. Anchoring settles it. Control questions build psychological flexibility, so you respond from your values rather than from reflex.
Use it this week:
When a sudden event throws off your peace
After a disturbing headline, when your mind starts doom-looping
At night, when your body is tired but your alert system will not switch off
Becoming Super
Becoming Super is not about never reacting. It is about recovering faster, with less collateral damage.
When you can stabilise first, you stop feeding the fire with frantic thinking, and you protect your energy and relationships.
Yes, the outer world can be uncertain. And your next 10 minutes can still be intentional. Start there.
Have a Super Sunday! 💪
With much joy,
Hashim