I just read an interesting article in AOPA Pilot magazine by Rod Machado (a flight instructor with 8,000 hours instructing others how to fly) in which he talks about the old aviation saying, “When disaster strikes, the first thing you should do is wind your watch.”

Of course, we don’t wear watches anymore that need winding.  But the point of the saying is this:  when facing a crisis, you don’t always need to “react.”  Most often, there’s time to take just a quick minute and think before you act, which will often yield a better result.

Think about the crises you face.  Most often there is time to think things through before you run off half-cocked and do the wrong thing.  Slow down, count to ten, calm your nerves and begin to ask yourself questions that will lead you to the best course of action.  Avoid the panic mode and make good decisions.  If you will do that, half the battle will already be won.