In the renowned Netflix and BBC series, Peaky Blinders, a family from Pre-World War II Birmingham, England runs a complex empire of illegal businesses in their quest to regional hegemony. Thomas Shelby, the ringleader, is a gangster – an illegal bookmaker, kingpin and drug lord. At first glance, you might not expect this character to be the symbol of anything good. He kills, steals, and exploits others on behalf of the “family business” and has a vague goal of being the top boy – or maybe he wants more money? I’m not really sure. Bottom line is, at first glance he would be the last guy you would expect there to be an Un-Associated editorial to draw life lessons from, but here we are. 

I grew a liking for Thomas Shelby, and at first I couldn’t understand why. It was something about the way he would keep the same facial expression – no matter what mishap unfolded. His face exhibited the epitome of what it looks like to be unbothered. No matter what happened, it’s as if he failed to consider the risks of moving forward and remained confident in his wits. I recall a scene in season 2, when he lays in the hospital after nearly being beaten to death. At that moment I thought to myself, “If I were him I’d probably give up and cry at this point,” but instead, he discharged himself against advice and began planning his next move. 

It wasn’t until I bought a poster of Thomas Shelby and hung it in my room that I realized what I liked so much about him. It was his sureness. He was always so sure of himself. Additionally, that sureness of himself was exhibited through his lack of emotion when things got rough. You couldn’t see fear in him. Nor could you see hesitation, confusion or any sense of second-guessing. 

I never thought I would tie Thomas Shelby to a TD Jakes sermon but here it goes. While watching one of Bishop Jakes’ sermons he said that it is important for leaders to deal with conflict in an unemotional way because this is our expression of faith. This doesn’t mean that we suppress our feelings, neither does it mean we refrain from confiding in the people we trust. What it means is that our reactions to conflict reveal a lot about how much confidence we have in ourselves and God. Rather than reacting with emotion, we can react with rationale – often, you can’t be both at the same time.

Normally, we need to be sure in order to not react emotionally because how you feel on the inside causes how you act. However, you’ll be surprised at how sometimes acting first, can cause your mind to follow suit. Sometimes holding still and remaining unfazed reminds you of how sure you ought to be in yourself and God.

I think it’s worth a try. Be more intentional about your reactions. Let your emotions take a back seat and let the rationale have a shot at driving the vehicle. Pausing and planning is better than having a meltdown. Keep your wits and keep your confidence – even amidst opposition. This is how you can get past an obstacle without falling apart.

Enjoy this clip of Mr. Shelby’s unfazed negotiation skill for inspo!