Cultivating a Mindset of Composure and Purpose for Navigating the Period Ahead

As we look ahead, the months and years to come will undoubtedly bring challenges. Some we can predict, while others will catch us off guard. During these times, staying grounded and steady matters more than ever.

I’ve always believed that life is a continuum—our choices and actions today ripple outward, shaping the course of history and the world we leave behind. Along the way, we will face countless moments of turbulence, each demanding focus, clarity, and balance. But what does it truly mean to stay steady through it all? For me, it’s the concept of equanimity—a state of being calm and composed no matter what life throws your way.

Let me be clear: equanimity is not about avoiding tough situations, suppressing passions, or burying your head in the sand—tempting as that might be. Instead, it’s about cultivating a mindset of composure and deliberate energy. It’s the art of responding with purpose rather than reacting with haste.

This idea hit home for me during a particularly challenging chapter in my life. Around the time I was caring for my mother during her battle with cancer—flying between Colorado and Miami several times a month over a period of three years—I began meditating. Not as a way to escape, but as a way to face everything more fully.

I was juggling multiple professional commitments, navigating personal challenges, and grappling with a sense of unease about the relentless pace of it all. Sitting still, even for a few minutes, felt impossible at first. My mind was restless, my to-do list endless, and the emotional toll of caregiving weighed heavily on me. Not to mention the havoc all the stress was wreaking on my body. But over time, meditation became more than a moment of stillness; it became a practice of equanimity.

Through this practice, I learned to pause amid the chaos, observe my emotions without being consumed by them, and recalibrate my energy. It wasn’t about suppressing the stress or sadness I felt—it was about making space for it, holding it, and finding clarity within it. This mindset helped me show up for my mother, my work, and myself with greater intention, even during one of the most turbulent periods of my life.

Whether it’s tackling a tough decision for a client or handling unexpected challenges, equanimity has become a foundation for how I move forward. That said, I’m still a work in progress. My hot-tempered Cuban side often reminds me that equanimity doesn’t come naturally—and some days, it’s less about inner peace and more about resisting the urge to launch my laptop into orbit.

Still, as the founder of Civil , I’ve seen how critical equanimity is in strategic planning and consulting. Staying calm and grounded allows me to understand situations more fully, listen thoughtfully, and create meaningful solutions. Equanimity isn’t just a personal practice—it’s a way of thinking that helps us meet challenges with purpose, shaping our present circumstances and our role in the broader narrative of history unfolding around us.

Cultivating Equanimity for the Future

If the past few years have taught us anything, it is that uncertainty is a constant. From shifting societal norms to rapid technological advancements, the pace of change can feel overwhelming. Yet, by embracing equanimity, we can meet these challenges with strength and clarity. Here are three ways to integrate this practice into your life:

1. Pause to Reflect: Build moments of stillness into your day. Whether through meditation, journaling, or simply stepping outside for a quiet walk, carve out space to process your thoughts and emotions. (And no, doomscrolling doesn’t count—I’ve tried to make that argument, and it doesn’t hold up.)
2. Reframe the Chaos: Instead of letting obstacles consume you, equanimity helps you meet them with intention. In the vast cosmic unfolding of events, our role might feel small, but it’s never insignificant. Each response, no matter how tiny, shapes the larger narrative. (And if that feels overwhelming, just aim your reach for the tea kettle, not the wine.)
3. Stay Present: Staying present means grounding yourself in the here and now, turning inward and drawing strength through your roots to nourish your being. Like a tree weathering a storm, you can stand firm in life’s turbulence by anchoring yourself in clarity and calm. It’s not about ignoring the chaos—it’s about holding steady within it. (Remember: this too shall pass.)

Reflections on the Continuum of Life

Equanimity is not a destination but a journey, one that requires patience and practice. It reminds us that life and history are part of a continuum—what we do today resonates not only in our lifetime but far beyond it. Each moment of clarity and balance we cultivate today, will help shape the world we’ll pass on. It offers us a steady hand, helping us navigate the challenges of the present while keeping an eye on the future—a future we may not fully see yet, but can sense and shape through how we hold steady in the here and now.