One way is to have a pre-arranged response. It's easy to be philosophical when we're peaceful and all is well. But, it's tough when we are under stress. So, why not plan ahead and find an idea, a phrase or a word – a mantra, if you will – that is meaningful to you?

That's what I have done, and it never, ever fails to lower my temperature and give me a sense of perspective. I gladly share my mantra, which is “Rule #6”. This is a delightful story from a favorite book called The Art Of Possibility by Rosamund and Benjamin Zander.

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Two prime ministers are sitting in a room discussing affairs of state. Suddenly a man burst in, apoplectic with fury, shouting and stamping and banging his fist on the desk. The resident prime minister admonishes him: “Peter,” he says, “kindly remember Rule Number 6,” whereupon Peter is instantly restored to complete calm, apologizes and withdraws.

The politicians return to their conversation, only to be interrupted yet again twenty minutes later by an hysterical woman gesticulating wildly, her hair flying. Again the intruder is greeted with the words: “Marie, please remember Rule Number 6.” Complete calm descends once more, and she too withdraws with a bow and an apology.

When the scene is repeated for a third time, the visiting prime minister addresses his colleague: “My dear friend, I've seen many things in my life, but never anything as remarkable as this. Would you be willing to share with me the secret of Rule Number 6?”

“Very simple”, replies the resident prime minister. “Rule Number 6 is 'Don't take yourself so damn seriously!'”

“Ah,” says his visitor, that is a fine rule.” After a moment of pondering, he inquires, “And what, may I ask, are the other rules?”

“There aren't any.” replies his friend.

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This is much more than an amusing story. For me, it is a powerful reminder that whatever I'm upset about is really pretty trivial. It encourages me to laugh at myself, and gain a more timeless perspective on my life and work. Feel free to make use of Rule #6 or find a story or idea that is meaningful to you. But, find something, anything, so that when the storms hit you can see them for the nonsense that they truly are.