Get yourself under control first: Mastering the art of controlling yourself in stressful situations and keeping yourself at a calm demeanor. This is why flight attendants instruct you to put on your own oxygen mask first before anyone else. You are no use to anyone else if you are out of control. Only someone who is calm and in control can think logically to find a solution to the problem. Getting your thoughts and emotions in control in minutes is a main key to being able to think. Practicing this skill and being able to reduce that time it takes you to get under control, even by a few seconds, can be a difference maker.