How Do You Stay Calm During Constant Change?

Paula Guilfoyle
4 days ago
1 min read

“I can’t handle much more stress,” he said. “The team is fighting—and everything keeps changing.”

Here’s the truth most leaders don’t hear:

Today, something will trigger you. You’ll be calm and productive one moment—and then suddenly, you’re off track.

The issue usually isn’t the situation. It’s the thinking that shows up after it.

Thoughts like: “I’m right.” “I don’t deserve this.” “I don’t like this.”

That kind of thinking feels justified—but it quietly drains your effectiveness.

That’s why I teach a simple reset I created and use with leadership teams:

PBS — Pause. Breathe. Smile.

Pause: Interrupt the spiral. Between what happens and how you respond is your power.
Breathe: Take 3 slow breaths to calm your nervous system.
Smile: Yes—really. It signals safety to your brain and lowers stress.

It sounds almost too simple. But it works—especially under pressure – when everyone feels overloaded.

As you use it, think: I feel better. I’m back in control. I’m back on track.

That shift helps your brain focus on what you can control— your thoughts, your emotions, and your next action.

Strong leaders don’t avoid disruption. They train themselves to respond differently to it.

Pause. Breathe. Smile.

This is the moment where leadership really matters.

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Paula’s leadership training transforms your company’s culture into a place that engages and retains top talent, saving millions. Her clients include Coca-Cola, Lowe’s, Microsoft, KPMG and Collins Aerospace.