{"id":210578,"date":"2024-09-23T12:35:12","date_gmt":"2024-09-23T19:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/?p=210578"},"modified":"2025-10-31T17:26:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T00:26:49","slug":"how-to-lead-with-calm-in-a-world-full-of-chaos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/how-to-lead-with-calm-in-a-world-full-of-chaos\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Lead with Calm in a World Full of Chaos"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n

In June of 2012, our family moved to Colorado Springs from the Midwest. It was only a few days after settling in when we witnessed something unforgettable. We were spending the day \u201ctouristing\u201d on top of Pikes Peak when we noticed a small plume of smoke rising in the distance. Curious, I pointed it out to a nearby forest ranger. Without missing a beat, he looked at the smoke and said, \u201cYou better head down the mountain quickly; that small fire is about to be out of control.\u201d As Midwesterners, we\u2019d never experienced fires so we quickly heeded his advice.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

As we made our way down the mountain, what started as a small campfire quickly grew into a raging wildfire. The mountainside was soon engulfed in flames, with helicopters already circling overhead to try and control the blaze. Less than an hour later, roads were closed, and hundreds of homes were suddenly in danger. The end result is what is now referred to as the Waldo Canyon Fire which was one of the most destructive in Colorado history destroying 346 homes and burning over 18,000 acres.<\/p>\n

Not nearly as dramatic as this story is how similar our emotions can be. Emotions spread like wildfire. Whether you realize it or not, your mood and energy rub off on your team. As a leader, that emotional ripple effect gets amplified, influencing not just individuals but your entire team\u2019s culture. This is the concept of emotional contagion, and it\u2019s more powerful than most leaders realize.<\/p>\n

Emotional contagion is when your emotions transfer to others, almost like catching a cold. It happens instinctively through non-verbal cues\u2014your facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language all send signals that people pick up on. If you\u2019re not careful, your stress or frustration can spread just as fast as that wildfire, creating a tense and negative atmosphere. But just like how a fire can be controlled with the right response, emotional contagion can be managed. If you\u2019re intentional, you can use your emotional influence to foster positivity, resilience, and collaboration instead of chaos.<\/p>\n

I learned the importance of managing emotional contagion from a manager I work with. He introduced me to the concept of a non-anxious presence, something he picked up from one of his mentors. As I\u2019ve thought about this over many months, it\u2019s become clear to me that it is critical in leadership. Being a non-anxious presence doesn\u2019t mean ignoring problems or staying detached\u2014it\u2019s about remaining calm and steady, even when everything feels out of control. When you can maintain that level-headedness, you become the anchor your team needs during difficult times, helping them stay grounded and focused.<\/p>\n

The Emotional Domino Effect in Leadership<\/h2>\n

Emotional contagion happens fast and without us even realizing it. There\u2019s science behind this, too\u2014humans have something called mirror neurons, which make us mimic the emotions of others. If someone\u2019s smiling, we tend to smile back. If they\u2019re stressed or upset, we might start feeling on edge, too.<\/p>\n

In a leadership role, this matters more than you think. When times get tough or things feel uncertain, your team looks to you for cues on how they should feel. If you\u2019re panicking or frazzled, your team is going to pick up on that energy and reflect it. On the flip side, if you stay cool, calm, and collected, they\u2019ll take that as a sign that they can keep their focus and keep pushing forward.<\/p>\n

Picture this: your team is up against a tight deadline, and the pressure is on. If you start hovering over every detail or letting your stress show, your team will feed off that energy, making them more anxious and less productive. But if you can project calm confidence\u2014letting them know you trust their abilities\u2014you\u2019ll notice a shift. The team will stay more focused, energized, and solution-oriented.<\/p>\n

Why Leaders Need a Non-Anxious Presence<\/h2>\n

When you lead with a non-anxious presence, you unlock several important benefits:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Better Decision-Making: Anxiety throws us into fight-or-flight mode, making it harder to think creatively or weigh options. A calm leader can think more clearly and guide their team toward smart, strategic decisions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n
    1. Builds Trust: Trust is built on consistency. When you\u2019re calm under pressure, your team feels safe and secure, knowing that you\u2019ve got things under control. That trust will make them more likely to follow your lead, even in challenging situations.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \n
      1. Creates a Positive Culture: Your emotional state sets the tone for your team. When you\u2019re steady and optimistic, you create a culture where people feel safe to take risks and collaborate. They aren\u2019t paralyzed by the fear of failure.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
          \n
        1. Boosts Morale and Resilience: Teams take their cues from their leaders. If you model resilience and calm under pressure, they\u2019ll be more likely to stay positive and push through challenges.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            \n
          1. Shows Emotional Intelligence: Leaders who embody a non-anxious presence are emotionally intelligent. They can regulate their emotions, stay composed, and create a ripple effect that helps others do the same.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            How to Develop a Non-Anxious Presence<\/h2>\n

            Being a non-anxious leader isn\u2019t about pretending everything\u2019s fine when it\u2019s not. It\u2019s about finding a way to stay grounded, no matter what\u2019s happening around you. Here are a few ways to develop that presence:<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Check in with Yourself: Self-awareness is the first step. Take a moment to recognize your emotions. Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or frustrated? Knowing where you\u2019re at helps you manage your emotions before they affect your team.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                \n
              1. Learn to Pause: When emotions are running high, hit pause. Take a deep breath, go for a quick walk, or do something to reset. This helps you avoid reacting out of emotion and gives you time to think clearly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                  \n
                1. Communicate with Intention: Your words and tone matter. Speak calmly, keep your body language open, and make sure your message is clear. This shows your team that you\u2019re in control and focused on solutions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                    \n
                  1. Focus on What You Can Control: Anxiety often comes from feeling like things are out of your hands. Instead of stressing over what you can\u2019t change, focus on what you can\u2014your actions, your communication, and how you respond to challenges.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                      \n
                    1. Model Calmness Under Pressure: Your team will follow your lead, especially when things get tough. If you stay calm and focused, they\u2019ll be more likely to mirror that behavior.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                        \n
                      1. Empathy Without Feeding Anxiety: A non-anxious presence doesn\u2019t mean ignoring your team\u2019s emotions. It\u2019s important to acknowledge how they\u2019re feeling, show understanding, and provide reassurance. But instead of feeding into their anxiety, focus on what you can do to support and move forward.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        Stay Calm, Cool, and Collected<\/h2>\n

                        As a leader, your emotions have a bigger impact than you might realize. Emotional contagion is real, but you can harness it for good by cultivating a non-anxious presence. When you stay calm and grounded, you create a ripple effect that influences your team\u2019s mindset, performance, and overall morale.<\/p>\n

                        In moments of uncertainty or high pressure, your team will look to you for guidance. If you can stay centered, manage your own emotional state, and lead with confidence, you\u2019ll set the tone for your team to thrive\u2014even when the going gets tough.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                        In a world full of noise and uncertainty, effective leaders know the power of staying calm. Leading with a non-anxious presence helps create stability, boosts team confidence, and drives better decision-making. Learn how to cultivate inner calm and lead your team through chaos with clarity and resilience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":210580,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\n

                        In June of 2012, our family moved to Colorado Springs from the Midwest. It was only a few days after settling in when we witnessed something unforgettable. We were spending the day \u201ctouristing\u201d on top of Pikes Peak when we noticed a small plume of smoke rising in the distance. Curious, I pointed it out to a nearby forest ranger. Without missing a beat, he looked at the smoke and said, \u201cYou better head down the mountain quickly; that small fire is about to be out of control.\u201d As Midwesterners, we\u2019d never experienced fires so we quickly heeded his advice.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

                        As we made our way down the mountain, what started as a small campfire quickly grew into a raging wildfire. The mountainside was soon engulfed in flames, with helicopters already circling overhead to try and control the blaze. Less than an hour later, roads were closed, and hundreds of homes were suddenly in danger. The end result is what is now referred to as the Waldo Canyon Fire which was one of the most destructive in Colorado history destroying 346 homes and burning over 18,000 acres.<\/p>\n

                        Not nearly as dramatic as this story is how similar our emotions can be. Emotions spread like wildfire. Whether you realize it or not, your mood and energy rub off on your team. As a leader, that emotional ripple effect gets amplified, influencing not just individuals but your entire team\u2019s culture. This is the concept of emotional contagion, and it\u2019s more powerful than most leaders realize.<\/p>\n

                        Emotional contagion is when your emotions transfer to others, almost like catching a cold. It happens instinctively through non-verbal cues\u2014your facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language all send signals that people pick up on. If you\u2019re not careful, your stress or frustration can spread just as fast as that wildfire, creating a tense and negative atmosphere. But just like how a fire can be controlled with the right response, emotional contagion can be managed. If you\u2019re intentional, you can use your emotional influence to foster positivity, resilience, and collaboration instead of chaos.<\/p>\n

                        I learned the importance of managing emotional contagion from a manager I work with. He introduced me to the concept of a non-anxious presence, something he picked up from one of his mentors. As I\u2019ve thought about this over many months, it\u2019s become clear to me that it is critical in leadership. Being a non-anxious presence doesn\u2019t mean ignoring problems or staying detached\u2014it\u2019s about remaining calm and steady, even when everything feels out of control. When you can maintain that level-headedness, you become the anchor your team needs during difficult times, helping them stay grounded and focused.<\/p>\n

                        The Emotional Domino Effect in Leadership<\/h2>\n

                        Emotional contagion happens fast and without us even realizing it. There\u2019s science behind this, too\u2014humans have something called mirror neurons, which make us mimic the emotions of others. If someone\u2019s smiling, we tend to smile back. If they\u2019re stressed or upset, we might start feeling on edge, too.<\/p>\n

                        In a leadership role, this matters more than you think. When times get tough or things feel uncertain, your team looks to you for cues on how they should feel. If you\u2019re panicking or frazzled, your team is going to pick up on that energy and reflect it. On the flip side, if you stay cool, calm, and collected, they\u2019ll take that as a sign that they can keep their focus and keep pushing forward.<\/p>\n

                        Picture this: your team is up against a tight deadline, and the pressure is on. If you start hovering over every detail or letting your stress show, your team will feed off that energy, making them more anxious and less productive. But if you can project calm confidence\u2014letting them know you trust their abilities\u2014you\u2019ll notice a shift. The team will stay more focused, energized, and solution-oriented.<\/p>\n

                        Why Leaders Need a Non-Anxious Presence<\/h2>\n

                        When you lead with a non-anxious presence, you unlock several important benefits:<\/p>\n

                          \n
                        1. Better Decision-Making: Anxiety throws us into fight-or-flight mode, making it harder to think creatively or weigh options. A calm leader can think more clearly and guide their team toward smart, strategic decisions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                            \n
                          1. Builds Trust: Trust is built on consistency. When you\u2019re calm under pressure, your team feels safe and secure, knowing that you\u2019ve got things under control. That trust will make them more likely to follow your lead, even in challenging situations.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                              \n
                            1. Creates a Positive Culture: Your emotional state sets the tone for your team. When you\u2019re steady and optimistic, you create a culture where people feel safe to take risks and collaborate. They aren\u2019t paralyzed by the fear of failure.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                \n
                              1. Boosts Morale and Resilience: Teams take their cues from their leaders. If you model resilience and calm under pressure, they\u2019ll be more likely to stay positive and push through challenges.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                  \n
                                1. Shows Emotional Intelligence: Leaders who embody a non-anxious presence are emotionally intelligent. They can regulate their emotions, stay composed, and create a ripple effect that helps others do the same.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                  How to Develop a Non-Anxious Presence<\/h2>\n

                                  Being a non-anxious leader isn\u2019t about pretending everything\u2019s fine when it\u2019s not. It\u2019s about finding a way to stay grounded, no matter what\u2019s happening around you. Here are a few ways to develop that presence:<\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  1. Check in with Yourself: Self-awareness is the first step. Take a moment to recognize your emotions. Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or frustrated? Knowing where you\u2019re at helps you manage your emotions before they affect your team.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                      \n
                                    1. Learn to Pause: When emotions are running high, hit pause. Take a deep breath, go for a quick walk, or do something to reset. This helps you avoid reacting out of emotion and gives you time to think clearly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                        \n
                                      1. Communicate with Intention: Your words and tone matter. Speak calmly, keep your body language open, and make sure your message is clear. This shows your team that you\u2019re in control and focused on solutions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                          \n
                                        1. Focus on What You Can Control: Anxiety often comes from feeling like things are out of your hands. Instead of stressing over what you can\u2019t change, focus on what you can\u2014your actions, your communication, and how you respond to challenges.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                            \n
                                          1. Model Calmness Under Pressure: Your team will follow your lead, especially when things get tough. If you stay calm and focused, they\u2019ll be more likely to mirror that behavior.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                              \n
                                            1. Empathy Without Feeding Anxiety: A non-anxious presence doesn\u2019t mean ignoring your team\u2019s emotions. It\u2019s important to acknowledge how they\u2019re feeling, show understanding, and provide reassurance. But instead of feeding into their anxiety, focus on what you can do to support and move forward.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                              Stay Calm, Cool, and Collected<\/h2>\n

                                              As a leader, your emotions have a bigger impact than you might realize. Emotional contagion is real, but you can harness it for good by cultivating a non-anxious presence. When you stay calm and grounded, you create a ripple effect that influences your team\u2019s mindset, performance, and overall morale.<\/p>\n

                                              In moments of uncertainty or high pressure, your team will look to you for guidance. If you can stay centered, manage your own emotional state, and lead with confidence, you\u2019ll set the tone for your team to thrive\u2014even when the going gets tough.<\/p><\/div>\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[31],"tags":[83,148,51,152,153,58,55],"class_list":["post-210578","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-main","tag-change","tag-communication","tag-culture","tag-emotional-intelligence","tag-empathy","tag-leadership","tag-trust"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/image-2.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pzg9k-SMq","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":212253,"url":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/the-eye-of-the-storm-why-the-best-leaders-are-carriers-of-the-calm\/","url_meta":{"origin":210578,"position":0},"title":"The Eye of the Storm: Why the Best Leaders are Carriers of the Calm","author":"Jon Plotner","date":"November 21, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"In navigating the complexities of leadership, one must recognize that the true essence of influence lies not just in decision-making but in the energy we radiate; the most impactful leaders harness a thoughtful stillness that invites connection and collaboration, ensuring their teams feel supported rather than strained, inspiring a collective\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Main"","block_context":{"text":"Main","link":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/category\/main\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Gemini_Generated_Image_r3vd3sr3vd3sr3vd.webp?fit=1200%2C896&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Gemini_Generated_Image_r3vd3sr3vd3sr3vd.webp?fit=1200%2C896&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Gemini_Generated_Image_r3vd3sr3vd3sr3vd.webp?fit=1200%2C896&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Gemini_Generated_Image_r3vd3sr3vd3sr3vd.webp?fit=1200%2C896&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Gemini_Generated_Image_r3vd3sr3vd3sr3vd.webp?fit=1200%2C896&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":212379,"url":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/the-calm-one-wins-what-the-traitors-teaches-us-about-regulated-leadership\/","url_meta":{"origin":210578,"position":1},"title":"The Calm One Wins: What The Traitors Teaches Us About Regulated Leadership","author":"Jon Plotner","date":"March 3, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"","rel":"","context":"In "Main"","block_context":{"text":"Main","link":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/category\/main\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Rob.webp?fit=1200%2C514&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Rob.webp?fit=1200%2C514&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Rob.webp?fit=1200%2C514&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Rob.webp?fit=1200%2C514&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Rob.webp?fit=1200%2C514&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1401,"url":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/setting-priorities-in-the-midst-of-chaos\/","url_meta":{"origin":210578,"position":2},"title":"Setting Priorities in the Midst of Chaos","author":"Jon Plotner","date":"March 14, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Life is busy, and we\u2019re all trying to juggle work, family, finances, etc. We hear a lot about setting goals, being productive, and prioritizing work. It can get really complicated. So yesterday I felt compelled to break it down and simplify the whole process. So here are two questions. What\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Main"","block_context":{"text":"Main","link":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/category\/main\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":210565,"url":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/transforming-teams-essential-culture-rebuilding-strategies\/","url_meta":{"origin":210578,"position":3},"title":"Transforming Teams: Essential Culture Rebuilding Strategies","author":"Jon Plotner","date":"September 11, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0 Taking over a new team is never easy, especially when the culture is in shambles. Whether it\u2019s due to previous leadership, internal conflicts, or external pressures, repairing a broken culture requires intention, patience, and perseverance. Over the years, I\u2019ve experienced firsthand what it\u2019s like to walk into a team\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Main"","block_context":{"text":"Main","link":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/category\/main\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/go-a-little-less-formal.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/go-a-little-less-formal.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/go-a-little-less-formal.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/go-a-little-less-formal.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":210391,"url":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/the-ripple-effect-of-contagious-positivity-in-teams\/","url_meta":{"origin":210578,"position":4},"title":"The Ripple Effect of Contagious Positivity in Teams","author":"Jon Plotner","date":"March 24, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Some people possess a remarkable ability to emanate contagious positivity, uplifting their environment even amidst adversity. These 'positive energizers' enhance team dynamics with virtues like kindness and gratitude. Conversely, 'de-energizers' drain energy and morale. Successful leaders cultivate positivity, recognizing its pervasive benefits across professional and personal spheres, improving well-being, relationships,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Main"","block_context":{"text":"Main","link":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/category\/main\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"silhouette of people during golden hour","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/pexels-photo-207896.jpeg?fit=1200%2C637&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/pexels-photo-207896.jpeg?fit=1200%2C637&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/pexels-photo-207896.jpeg?fit=1200%2C637&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/pexels-photo-207896.jpeg?fit=1200%2C637&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/pexels-photo-207896.jpeg?fit=1200%2C637&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1198,"url":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/are-you-chasing-that-squirrel\/","url_meta":{"origin":210578,"position":5},"title":"Are you chasing that . . . SQUIRREL!","author":"Jon Plotner","date":"August 29, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"You probably can recite the scene if you\u2019ve watched the movie, UP. It\u2019s a classic scene where the dog is easily distracted by none other than . . . a squirrel. If you\u2019re like me, you can be fully engaged in a conversation when someone says, \u201csquirrel!\u201d We all know\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Main"","block_context":{"text":"Main","link":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/category\/main\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/Squirrel%2BDug.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/210578","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=210578"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/210578\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":211759,"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/210578\/revisions\/211759"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/210580"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=210578"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=210578"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=210578"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}