Emotions are contagious. When we’re in the presence of challenging people, we are more likely to take on some aspect of their emotional state. However, if you are mentally prepared, you can create enough psychological distance to remain calm and neutral in the presence of volatility.

It is not easy to take a stand, especially when the stakes are high. Knowing ourselves enough to know what works for us and what doesn’t, and integrating those things into our daily practices is what helps us recognize unhealthy compromise when it comes knocking.

You have more in control over yourself and your circumstances than you think. If you're dealing with the difficulties of challenge and change, remember that you have tools and strategies of your practice (faith, reflection, meditation, simple breathing, naming your feeling, choosing alternative responses) you can rely upon.

To cope with momentary stress or that of larger goals, commit to a practice. Investing in developing muscle memory pays off in better performance and smarter choices under pressure. Practice helps you process much of the "static of life” with greater skill.

Persuasion—the ability to win people to our perspective—comes down to an ability to adjust. We adjust ourselves to provide the right message, to the right people, at the right time in order to more effectively connect and drive results with others. Developing these skills develops ourselves—specifically, our self-awareness, unique knowledge, and belief in what we’re saying.