Anger, it is often said, is a powerful weapon.
I submit to you that a calm mind is far more powerful.
As I read this passage in The Daily Stoic, I was reminded of a moment a couple of months ago during a sparring exercise with another Krav Maga student. As we engaged in our battle of OODA loops, he landed a good blow upon my person, which…engaged…a predictably angry response internally, to the point where I nearly threw out all training and wanted to brawl.
In that moment, I exposed myself to additional potential attacks from my calmer opponent.
It was only when I asserted the calm state internally, remembered my stance and that I knew what I was doing and was capable of, that I was able to defend against further attacks and, in fact, land a solid blow upon his person.
Of course, Aurelius’ words apply to more than physical combat. Calm minds plan and execute better decisions in business and life, too. A calm mind expands the “adjacent possible” by enabling clearer thinking, better decision-making, and a broader view of available options. When you’re calm, you’re more open to seeing the multiple avenues for action that are immediately accessible, thereby expanding your horizons and unlocking new opportunities. In contrast, an angry or reactive mindset narrows your focus and limits your perception of what’s possible, effectively shrinking the adjacent possible.
Your mental state can either expand or limit the range of immediate possibilities open to you.