Train to Respond, Not React.
When you are caught off guard or things don’t go your way, it’s easy to react in the moment. Whether you are the type of person to fly off the handle or just slide in a snarky comment under your breath—these reactions can often cause unnecessary ripples within your family and business relationships.
What we all must learn is that regardless of the situation, we are responsible for how we acknowledge it. Even when you are treated unfairly or disrespectfully, keeping your reaction in check is essential.
How we respond and react to a situation is the key to our ability to navigate difficult circumstances well.
How Do You Respond Without Reacting?
Learning how to respond and not react is challenging, and it will require us to be conscious and intentional. This is especially true when an unexpected incident stirs something in you.
The best way to control our reactions is to pause and process what has happened. Once we have a better understanding of what has occurred, we can plan how to move forward.
Taking this minute to process the incident will allow you to gain a better perspective on the event rather than reacting immediately to the first emotion you felt.
Compassion and grace can go a long way when we are willing to try and slow down before responding. Of course, you will mess up but with practice, it is possible to slowly learn to do the right thing.
The Power of Not Reacting
There is a lot of beauty to be found when we can respond and not just react.
Instead of losing the opportunity to deepen the relationship with your friend, child, or spouse—you may actually find the opportunity to learn more about them and/or why they are acting the way that they are.
Instead of feeling like a victim, you can take learn from it by asking yourself what you can learn from this event—why did it happen and how can things go differently next time? or next situation?
It says a lot about a person when they can remain composed and control their emotions in the moment. Responding and not reacting really is the more challenging of the two. When you don’t react and practice patience and self-control instead—it reveals the strength and self-discipline you have to be able to overcome the temptation.
Life Mentoring to Help You Respond with Grace
It doesn’t usually come naturally, but you must choose to shift your perspective and understand that there are always two sides to the story. You can choose to better understand the other party involved by pausing and processing before continuing, or you can potentially damage relationships you’ve built by only reacting.
If you’re ready to begin learning how to respond with grace and compassion —book a discovery call today!