When was the last time you played dodgeball?

Remember dodgeball? Does just the word make you cringe? It does for me!

I remember playing dodgeball in elementary school and being so stressed. You know the balls are coming, but you never quite know when, or where, or from whom, or at what intensity! I’d try to scan the entire room at all times, but I’d still be caught off guard and get pelted by that ball.

At least in elementary school, we knew we were playing dodgeball and that the game would eventually end. As adults, we can’t always be hypervigilant. Whether it’s an angry client or a surprise from a colleague, our days can have moments when it feels like we’re getting hit by a red, rubber ball.?

We’re just going about our day and then?wham!

That’s when you have to exercise control and make a choice. Will you pick up that ball and pelt it back at the other person? Will you try to hide and protect yourself from other balls that may come your way? Or will you catch the ball and call a ceasefire?

Take Control of the Game and Play with Agility

The Thoughtfully Fit practice of?Agility?allows us to stay light on our feet, especially in moments when the unexpected happens. Agility is key when you’re caught off guard and need to respond effectively.

Your immediate reaction to an angry client might be to get defensive and act in a way that leads to more people problems being hurled at you. Ouch. You may downplay your immediate reaction by thinking,?There was no other way to handle it?or?That’s just the way these things go, but the truth is we have more control than that.?

When we?engage our core?and play the game with Agility, we can override our default reactions when the unforeseen happens. The key is to take the time to Pause. Think. and create awareness before we Act.

If you’re caught off guard and need time to Think, try saying the following to buy you a moment:

• “I need a second to process this.”
• “Let’s go and find a place to talk about this.”
• “Let me get a drink of water/go to the bathroom/fill my coffee and then we can chat.”

While it can be challenging to find the time to Pause and Think, it can make all the difference. Don’t diminish your control. Practice Agility and take that extra second to create awareness of all the choices you have, so you can take meaningful Action, lead with intention, and dodge your people problems (and maybe even a few injuries) along the way.

One-minute Core Workout

• Pause:?If someone says or does something that triggers you, insert a Pause into the moment—instead of reacting immediately.
• Think:??Ask yourself thoughtful questions like, “What do I control in this situation?”?or?“How do I want to show up in this moment?”?or?“What would a successful outcome look like for everyone involved?”?
• Act:?Respond to the situation with clarity, confidence, and a calm head.

While we may not have to worry (too much) about being struck unexpectedly by a dodgeball at the office, it can sometimes feel like life is playing ruthlessly against us. Whether the next challenge life hurls at you is big or small, practice tackling it with Agility.

And if you do find yourself in the middle of a heated game, don’t forget to dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge (again). You got this!

Recommended Reading:

One Rule Improv?by Mary DeMichele can help leaders and teams practice being?quick?on their feet in the workplace using tools and training that are simple, enjoyable, and great for team bonding. (Think?Whose Line is it Anyway?meets corporate America!)

IS YOUR MIND FIT FOR?SUCCESS?

Take the quiz to reveal what’s sabotaging your success

Thoughtfully Fit trains your mind to perform well under any challenging circumstance. Just as some athletes are naturally strong but lack flexibility, your mind has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Take the Thoughtfully Fit Quiz!