I just try to stay cool, calm and collected.

"I just try to stay cool, calm and collected." These words spoken by Anthony Rendon offer a timeless piece of wisdom about the power of composure in moments of stress or uncertainty. Rendon’s simple, yet profound, approach to life speaks to the ancient virtue of self-control, a principle that has been celebrated throughout history by philosophers, warriors, and leaders alike. To remain cool, calm, and collected is to maintain one's equilibrium in the face of challenges, knowing that true strength lies not in reaction but in the ability to stay centered and focused.

In the ancient world, self-mastery was considered one of the highest virtues. The Stoics, led by thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, preached the importance of remaining composed in the face of adversity. For the Stoics, life was filled with unpredictability, but one could control their response through reason and discipline. Aurelius wrote, "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts." His words echo Rendon’s sentiment, as they both understand that life’s true mastery comes from being able to keep one’s emotions in check, regardless of the external turmoil. The key is not to allow the world to control your inner peace, but to control your response and remain calm amidst the chaos.

The Spartans provide another historical example of this profound self-control. At the Battle of Thermopylae, King Leonidas and his 300 warriors faced an overwhelming Persian army. Despite the imminent threat and the certainty of death, Leonidas remained composed and led his men with strategic clarity. He understood that in battle, panic and rash action would lead to destruction. The ability to stay cool, calm, and collected allowed him to make decisions with clarity, even in the most extreme of circumstances. The Spartans did not let the weight of fear overwhelm them, but instead, they faced death with the same resolve and composure they maintained in life.

The story of Socrates, the great philosopher, further illustrates the power of calmness in the face of adversity. When he was put on trial for his beliefs and ultimately sentenced to death, he did not react with anger or fear. Instead, Socrates accepted his fate with an unshaken equanimity, arguing that death was neither to be feared nor desired. His famous words, “The unexamined life is not worth living”, reflect the inner peace that comes from self-awareness and control. Socrates’ calmness in the face of death was not mere passive resignation—it was an active demonstration of his philosophy that the mind and character could remain unshaken, even in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

In modern times, athletes like Anthony Rendon serve as embodiments of this ancient wisdom. In a game as fast-paced and high-pressure as baseball, where every play can change the course of a game, maintaining composure is not just a personal philosophy but a professional necessity. Rendon’s ability to stay cool in critical moments, as he has demonstrated on countless occasions, is akin to the ancient warriors and philosophers who understood that clarity of mind and emotional control are the true marks of strength. Like Leonidas in battle, Rendon knows that the mental game is just as important as the physical, and self-discipline is the key to performing at the highest level.

The lesson in Rendon’s words is one of balance and self-control. It teaches us that, no matter the external chaos—be it in a high-pressure situation, a difficult conversation, or an unexpected challenge—the ability to remain calm and collected allows us to make better decisions and maintain a sense of inner peace. As the Stoics taught, we cannot control the external world, but we can control how we respond to it. True strength lies not in being unaffected by life’s difficulties but in choosing how to respond in a way that reflects grace, wisdom, and integrity.

The actionable lesson here is to embrace the power of composure. When faced with challenges, whether large or small, take a moment to breathe, to ground yourself, and to regain your focus. Do not let external circumstances dictate your emotional state. Like Rendon, let calmness become your guiding principle, allowing you to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and purpose. By cultivating this ability to stay cool, calm, and collected, we not only improve our own lives but also inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of strength and equanimity in the world around us.