Alex Shalman.comPractical Personal Development

This article is part of the How To Become An Outstanding Person In Twelve Weeks series. I strongly urge that you read the first article in order to get a sense of what is going on here.

Tranquility (Week 11 of 12)

Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable. This week has been a particularly interesting one for me. In fact, tranquility, peace, and serenity are very important life goals that I strive to achieve.

To me, tranquility is a state of being, in which you possess a stillness, during which you are capable of fully experiencing the present moment. This stillness is calm, involves emotional mastery, and being fully conscious. You are actually able to reach clarity by stifling all the excess noise coming in from your subconscious mind and the world around you.

Tranquility is an interesting concept to adopt into your reality. We’ve all experienced moments of tranquility, but it’s a completely different thing to lead a life of tranquility.

I believe that what Benjamin Franklin meant to relay with this virtue is that you shouldn’t take to heart the small unimportant things in life. What is important is arguable, and fluctuates between each individual. However, there are some questions you can ask yourself to determine what is worth breaking out of tranquility for.

1. Will this situation put anyone in immediate danger?
2. Will not reacting have a deep lasting effect?
3. Will this problem work itself out?
4. Will taking action, make a positive impact?

I believe that if you ask yourself these questions, you will find that many “trifles” or “accidents” are not significant enough to warrant a response. They’re not worth the loss of temper, self-induced stress, or breaking your silence.

This week has been extremely educational for me in getting closer to this life goal. I’ve learned a lot about “choosing my battles”, in terms of what is worth taking to heart. Not everything will make you or break you, not everything is permanent.

Becoming Outstanding Series

• How To Become An Outstanding Person In Twelve Weeks

• Week 01 – Temperance

• Week 02 – Silence

• Week 03 – Order

• Week 04 – Resolution

• Week 05 – Frugality

• Week 06 – Industry

• Week 07 – Sincerity

• Week 08 – Justice

• Week 09 – Moderation

• Week 10 – Cleanliness

• Week 11 – Tranquility

• Week 12 – Chastity

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