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Author:

Brassy, De Smit, Kruyt

Deliberate Calm Book

Deliberate Calm Book

Part I:  Description

Deliberate Calm: Building Resilience for Turbulent Times

In "Deliberate Calm", authors Jacqueline Brassey, Arianna De Smet, Michiel Kruyt, and Michael Kruyt, argue that in our fast-paced and often chaotic world, cultivating inner calm is not a luxury, but essential for success, well-being, and leadership. This book offers a practical toolkit for building resilience and responding to challenges with clarity and focus.


Key Concepts in "Deliberate Calm"

  • Mindfulness in a Modern World: Learn to bring mindful awareness to everyday moments, even amidst stress.

  • Understanding Your "Triggers": Identify what throws you off-balance, giving you greater control over your reactions.

  • The Power of the Pause: Simple techniques for interrupting habitual reactions and creating space for intentional choices.

  • Deliberate Communication: Foster connection and navigate difficult conversations with greater ease.

  • Leading with Calm: How leaders can model composure, reducing anxiety and improving outcomes within teams.


Who Should Read "Deliberate Calm"

  • Leaders: Develop the presence and clarity to handle complex challenges and inspire your team.

  • High-Stress Professionals Find greater focus, reduce burnout risk, and improve decision-making under pressure.

  • Anyone Seeking Well-Being: The skills taught offer benefits beyond just work, improving relationships and overall emotional balance.


Why "Deliberate Calm" Matters

This book emphasizes that calm isn't about being emotionless. It's about harnessing your emotions, not being hijacked by them. It provides a blend of science-backed strategies and practical exercises.


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Part II:  Common Questions

I'm naturally a high-strung person. Can "Deliberate Calm" really help me?

  • Answer: Yes - This book understands that some people are wired for greater reactivity. It provides tools for:

    • Knowing Your Baseline: Recognizing when you're escalating BEFORE you hit the point of no return.

    • "Inner Pause" Techniques: Even a few seconds of mindful breathing can make a difference in breaking a reactive cycle.

    • It's a Skill to Build: Calm isn't a personality trait you either have or don't, it's something you practice consistently.


Is this just another mindfulness book? What makes "Deliberate Calm" different?

  • Answer: While mindfulness is a core component, "Deliberate Calm" focuses on applying that awareness to real-world challenges:

    • High-Stakes Situations: Techniques for staying grounded in difficult meetings, high-pressure presentations, etc.

    • Communication Focus: Learning to listen mindfully, speak with clarity, and have tough conversations without derailing.

    • Leadership Emphasis: It goes beyond personal well-being to address how leaders impact the emotional climate of the entire team.


The idea of calmness sounds passive. Can I still be ambitious and driven while applying "Deliberate Calm"?

  • Answer: Being calm isn't about lack of passion or goals. The book argues it's what allows you to achieve MORE sustainably:

    • Focus Under Fire: Clarity amidst chaos lets you see the best path forward, not just thrash around reacting.

    • Burnout Prevention: That frenetic energy is often fueled by anxiety, leading to long-term mental and physical depletion.

    • Strategic Energy: Being deliberate about when to push vs. recharge maximizes your output overall.


I don't have time to meditate for an hour a day. Is "Deliberate Calm" realistic?

  • Answer: The book emphasizes micro-moments of mindfulness:

    • Waiting for a Meeting? Three mindful breaths instead of scrolling mindlessly.

    • Triggered by an Email? Pause before firing back a reactive reply.

    • The Walk to Work: Pay attention to your steps, the feel of the air – it's mindfulness in motion.


Are there any potential downsides to the "Deliberate Calm" approach?

  • Answer: It's important to be realistic about the limitations:

    • Doesn't Fix Everything: If you're in a toxic workplace, individual calm can only take you so far.

    • Requires Practice: This isn't a magic pill. It takes effort to build those new habits of responding.

    • Emotions ARE Useful: Sometimes righteous anger fuels needed change. It's about channeling emotions skillfully, not suppressing them entirely.

Part III:  Additional Books Of Interest

Mindfulness for Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn: 

  • This classic book introduces the core concepts and practices of mindfulness meditation. It provides a foundation for cultivating the awareness and self-regulation emphasized in "Deliberate Calm."


Search Inside Yourself by Chade-Meng Tan:  

  • Written by a former Google engineer, this book offers a unique blend of mindfulness practices and their application in the workplace. It provides practical tools for enhancing focus, creativity, and emotional intelligence in leadership.


Emotional Agility by Susan David: 

  • This book explores how to embrace and work with your emotions rather than suppress them. It helps develop the emotional self-regulation skills vital for the "Deliberate Calm" approach.


The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey: 

  • This influential work focuses on timeless principles of personal development and leadership. It emphasizes proactive decision-making and a focus on long-term goals—skills that complement a Deliberate Calm mindset.


Dare to Lead by Brené Brown: 

  • Researcher and storyteller Brené Brown delves into vulnerability, courage, and the importance of authentic leadership. Her work connects to the themes of self-awareness and emotional resilience explored in "Deliberate Calm."

Part IV:  Disclaimer

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