Count to Ten

Founding Father Thomas Jefferson famously advised, “If you lose your temper, count up to ten before you do or say anything. If you haven’t calmed down, then count to a hundred; and if you have not calmed down after this, count up to a thousand.”

Simple, right? But anger can be a firecracker, ready to explode before you reach double digits.

During the 90’s in Mexico, there were TV commercials where a disobedient kid pushes the limits, and a parent's hand cocks back in rage. Suddenly, the scene freezes. The narrator cuts in, reminding the parent to take a deep breath and count to ten.

It's a powerful message: children make mistakes, and violence only scars, not solves. The parent calms down, and the scene resumes with a loving approach.

This calming technique transcends parenthood (and thankfully hitting kids is far less common these days). We all face moments that ignite our temper. Perhaps you have a fiery personality, someone who thrives on order, discipline and getting things right. But remember, a calm mind is your greatest weapon. Your greatest strength.

So next time you feel the heat rising, take a deep breath, and count. Not to punish yourself, but to give yourself the space to think clearly and respond effectively.