One should convince oneself as soon as possible of the truth of the fact that sincerity toward oneself is a large factor in attaining that firmness of judgment that must be cultivated by the man who is in search of poise.
In order to reach this condition nothing is more easy than to pass in mental review, every evening, the events that have marked the day that has passed.
In a word, one should strive to relive it, honestly confessing to oneself all the mistakes that have crept into it.
Every unfortunate speech should be recalled. One should formulate fresh replies, that lack of poise did not permit us to make at the time, so that under similar circumstances we may not be again caught at a disadvantage.
The witty name of "doorstep repartee" has been given to these answers which one makes as afterthoughts, with the idea of expressing the embarrassment of the man who can find no arguments until he finds himself beyond the reach of his opponents. It is after one has gone out, when one is on the doorstep, that one suddenly recognizes what one ought to have said, and finds the phrases that one should have used, the exact retort that one might have hurled at one's antagonist.
The man who has acquired poise should still accustom himself to practise this force of mental gymnastics when making his daily self-examination.
It will strengthen him for future contests by teaching him just how to conduct himself.
He must be always on his guard against one of the obsessions that too often afflict the timid--the mania for extremes.
The nature of a timid person is essentially artificial. His character is unequal.
He yearns for perfection, yet it is painful for him to meet it in others. He suffers also because he has failed to acquire it himself.