What We Can Learn About Emotion Control From Astronauts

John Glenn Seating inside the Mercury Capsule during a Flight Simulation Test.Photo byPublic Domain.

During the early days of America's space race, NASA placed a surprising emphasis on one particular skill: the ability not to panic.

While technical expertise was crucial, the astronauts were trained even more rigorously in emotional regulation. They needed to be able to keep their cool, because panic—whether it happened during a complex procedure or a crisis—could be fatal.

NASA's Solution to Overcome Panic

Panic is a universal human response to fear, but it’s also the root of many of our problems. It can cause us to abandon well-laid plans, make rash decisions, and lose sight of what really matters.

In space, where every second and every action counts, panic can lead to disastrous consequences. As such, astronauts were meticulously trained to recognize and manage their fears, replacing them with calm, calculated responses.

NASA prepared astronauts by simulating every aspect of the space mission, from pre-launch activities to the moment they rocketed into space. Each simulation was designed to be so thorough that the actual event felt like just another practice run. This intense preparation helped the astronauts build a sense of familiarity and control over their environment, thereby reducing uncertainty and fear.

John Glenn: The Embodiment of Emotional Control

John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, exemplified this training. Even while orbiting the Earth in the confines of a tiny spacecraft, his heart rate remained impressively low—a testament to his emotional control.

Do you think you can steady your heart rate when thrown into space? Most of us can't even stop our hearts from racing when thrown into public speaking.

Glenn’s calmness under pressure was not just a product of his personality, but of rigorous training that had prepared him to stay composed in the most extreme conditions.

Emotional Indulgence: A Luxury We Can't Afford

In contrast, most of us find our emotions overwhelming in far less stressful situations—whether it's facing a difficult client, giving a presentation, or dealing with unexpected bad news.

We often let these emotions dictate our actions, leading to mistakes and missed opportunities. But as the astronauts' training shows, this kind of emotional indulgence is a luxury we can’t afford if we want to succeed.

The Greek Concept of Apatheia

This level of emotional discipline has a name: apatheia, a term used by the ancient Greeks to describe a state of calm, free from irrational and extreme emotions.

It’s not about being emotionless, but about not letting negative emotions take hold. By refusing to let panic or fear dictate our actions, we can focus on solving the problems in front of us with clarity and composure.

Applying Emotional Control in Everyday Life

In our daily lives, this principle is just as applicable.

When faced with a stressful situation, like an urgent email or a sudden financial crisis, we should ask ourselves: Does getting upset help solve the problem? More often than not, the answer is no.

Worry and panic often prevent us from seeing the real issues at hand. Instead of reacting emotionally, we should strive to remain logical and clear-headed, focusing on what we can actually change.

This approach doesn't mean suppressing emotions altogether. It’s natural and healthy to feel, but it’s crucial to distinguish between feeling emotions and letting them control our actions. True strength lies in the ability to manage our emotions, not in denying their existence.

Practice Makes Perfect: Training for Calm Under Pressure

To cultivate this emotional resilience, we must engage in honest self-reflection.

When we feel anxiety rising, reminding ourselves that "I am in control, not my emotions," can be powerful.

By questioning our emotions with logic, we often find that the situation isn’t as dire as it first seemed. After all, most of the things we worry about are not life-threatening, and realizing this can help diffuse our fear.

In the end, mastering our emotions is about practice. Like astronauts preparing for a mission, we can train ourselves to remain calm under pressure.

By doing so, we ensure that, when faced with obstacles, we respond not with panic but with poise, focusing on what truly matters. This, in essence, is the key to both personal and professional success: the ability to rule over oneself.