There is a great deal of individuals that react to any sort of obstacle, setback, or challenge. Sometimes it is challenge for an individual to grasp reacting versus responding in difficult or stressful situations. Reactions are reflexive, driven by one’s ego, as the short-term outcome is the only thing that is observed. Reactions can cause you to feel better, but don’t resolve a problem effectively.

Responding is different.

People that react struggle and are known for facilitating impulsive decisions. Those that respond can potentially lessen the number of stressful situations in life, although not guaranteed. As it seems, the largest hassles in life are usually of your own making.

Let’s consider an example that highlights the differences between reacting and responding:

Imagine that you have a horrible boss. Today at work, they may single you out for something that was not necessarily your fault. He says that you’re a worthless employee. You leave work enraged and convinced that you simply can’t take it anymore.

Reacting to the situation might entail quitting with a blaze of glory. You march right into the office the next day and tell him exactly what you think that of him. However, after you get home, you realize that the market is tight, you may potentially have no savings, and no employment prospects.

Responding to the current situation might look something like this:

You determine that you simply ought to find another job. You work on your resume. You put out feelers to everyone you recognize that have or know of an opportunity that’s suitable for you. You get in contact with a recruiter and allow them to know that you’re looking.

You also attempt to minimize on your expenses and avoid wasting money just in case you lose your job.

One of these options is short-sighted and risky. The other is thoughtful and logical. One is probably going to finish in misery, while the opposite is probably going to finish in success.

How are you able to strengthen your odds of success when challenges arise?

Following this process will assist you in responding versus reacting:

• Steady yourself. It is challenging to be wise, logical, and sensible when your emotions are high. Never make a vital decision when you’re not cool, calm, and even keeled. Take the time you need. Mull it over. Consider your options.

• Identify the problem. What is the problem that you just to resolve? Think about what you want to change. Avoid changing a bunch of other things which will have a negative impact on your life. In the example above, you’d escape from your boss, but drastically change your income, too.

•  Be clear on the outcome you desire. It’s even as important to think about the result you desire. You might hate your job, but you don’t just want to urge far away from it. You’ll desire a good structure, too.

• Make an intelligent plan. Create a strategy that resolves your issue and provides you the result you desire. Reacting only removes the initial problem. It doesn’t provide a great outcome. A good plan does both.

• Execute that plan. Use your plan. There are plenty of individuals that are great at preparing, but never execute them. You don’t want to be one amongst those people.

If you are an individual that tends to react to the stress in your life, you already know the additional difficulties it can bring. It’s the right example of “out of the frying pan and into the fire.”

Avoid making decisions when you’re upset. Calm yourself first. Then make an intelligent decision which may remove that challenge from your life during a way that leaves you better than you started. Life is much easier this way. Talk with your counselor or therapist on ways to better improve your ability to handle tougher situations in your day to day life.