React or RESPOND
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“(When you REACT, you are giving away your power. When you RESPOND, you are staying in control of yourself.)”
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Two simple words, for most of us, the two words mean the same, but a world of difference in their meaning, provided we are intelligent enough to understand.
Let me take you through a story to make you understand the difference in these words.
At a restaurant, a cockroach suddenly flew from somewhere and sat on a lady. She started screaming out of fear.
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With a panic-stricken face and trembling voice, she started jumping, with both her hands desperately trying to get rid of the cockroach.
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Her reaction was contagious, as everyone in her group also got panicky.
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The lady finally managed to push the cockroach away but ...it landed on another lady in the group.
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Now, it was the turn of the other lady in the group to continue the drama.
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The waiter rushed forward to their rescue.
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In the relay of throwing, the cockroach next fell upon the waiter.
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The waiter stood firm, composed himself, and observed the behavior of the cockroach on his shirt.
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When he was confident enough, he grabbed it with his fingers and threw it out of the restaurant.
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My question to all of you?
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Was the cockroach responsible for their histrionic behavior?
If so, then why was the waiter not disturbed?
He handled it near to perfection, without any chaos.
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It is not the cockroach, but the inability of those ladies to handle the disturbance caused by the cockroach, that created the problem.
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We need to realize that it is not the shouting of someone that disturbs us, but the fact that we cannot handle the disturbances caused by their shouting.
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It's not the traffic jams on the road that disturb us, but our inability to handle the disturbance caused by the traffic jam.
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More than the problem, it's our reaction to the problem that creates chaos in our lives.
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The key differences between reacting and responding are important to understand to have a better and more positive approach to life in general.
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·??????? Reacting tends to be fueled by intense emotions while responding involves a more thoughtful and logical approach.
·??????? Reacting can lead to impulsive decisions that may have negative consequences while responding tends to lead to more positive outcomes in the long run.
·??????? Responding to overreacting allows us to communicate more effectively, avoiding potential misunderstandings or unnecessary conflict.
·??????? The ability to respond rather than react enables us to navigate challenging situations with grace and composure.
·??????? Reactions can hurt people while responding tends to deal with the situation with more maturity.
To grasp the importance of responding instead of reacting, we must first understand the fundamental differences between these two approaches.
Reactions are often reflexive, ego-driven, and focus solely on immediate outcomes.
Responses are always well thought out.
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So, if you want your focus to shift your focus towards responding rather than reacting, then the following steps can assist you in cultivating a considered approach.
1.?? Calm Yourself.
Allowing emotions to rule your actions can hinder your ability to respond calmly, intelligently, and logically. When faced with a challenging situation or decision, refrain from acting while feeling angry, sad, or frustrated. Take time to calm yourself, gather your thoughts, and engage in patient reflection before proceeding.
2.?? Identify The Problem.
To respond effectively, it is crucial to identify the core issue at hand. What is wrong? What aspects can you control or change? What outcome do you desire? By focusing on what you can influence and disregarding the factors beyond your control, you can approach the situation with mindfulness and make proactive decisions aimed at achieving the desired outcome.
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3.?? Take Time to Understand.
Once you have determined your ideal outcome, take the time to thoroughly analyze the situation. Responding involves thinking beyond immediate needs and planning for a more comprehensive solution.
4.?? Come Up with an Intelligent Plan.
Craft a well-thought-out plan that addresses the issue at hand and helps you achieve your desired outcome. Merely reacting and eliminating the initial problem may provide temporary relief, but it rarely leads to a favorable outcome. A good plan combines problem resolution with long-term benefits.
5.?? Execute Your Plan.
A plan without execution is merely a concept. Many individuals excel at devising plans but fail to take action. Be the exception by putting your plan into action. Take the necessary steps, remain committed, and observe the results.
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In the journey of life, mastering emotional intelligence and mindfulness is crucial. The ability to respond rather than react enables us to navigate challenging situations with grace and composure. Through the example of distinguishing between reaction and response, we have seen how impulsive reactions can lead to unfavorable outcomes, while thoughtful responses can bring success and positive change.
By following the practical steps outlined we can cultivate a habit of mindful responses.
By choosing to respond rather than react, we can transform our lives, effectively manage challenges, and achieve the outcomes we desire.
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