Great players are unflappable. Whether they are loud and rowdy or calm like a Zen master, they give 110% for the entire duration of the game, no exceptions. Keeping your composure in Halo requires extreme mental discipline, especially as the number of games played rises. Maintaining your composure is a discipline that can be practiced individually, at all times.

Physical activity is an excellent way to relieve stress and tension and will often positively affect your Halo game. Stretching, eating well and sleeping enough all result in a calmer attitude towards the game. While playing Halo 3 it is essential to constantly remind yourself to stay positive, focus on communicating only useful information and above all else to not lose your head when you fall behind in a match. Learning to keep one’s composure takes time but every night spent without a “freak out” you take a large step in the right direction. If you find yourself getting angry when you play, put down the controller and step away for a while. In the end, if you’re angry at Halo there are issues that have to be resolved outside the game - don’t hate the game, hate the player.

The same mental discipline must be exercised in dealing with defeat. Courtesy goes a long way. If your team just lost to a bunch of jerks, turn the other cheek and say “good game” before quietly leaving to never play them again. Maintaining a courteous demeanor as an individual and hopefully as an entire team earns access to better connections within the Halo community. In the end, you’ll win by projecting a positive attitude.