In our seminars, we would simply write these two words on the screen
R E A C T I O N
C R E A T I O N
and then ask those in attendance to tell us about the words. Some would focus on how alike they were some would focus on how different they were.
After a few minutes we would ask how are they alike. Eventually, someone would notice that the two words, in fact, contain the exact same letters. Focusing on that, we would then ask with the exact same letters, what is the only difference. At that moment, the epiphanies would start throughout the room.
You see, the two words do contain the exact same letters in the exact same order with only one exception. Where the “C” is.
You and I may experience the same input. We may see a comment that someone had made. One of us may say "That was rude." The other may say, "That was a bad attempt at humor." And still someone else may be looking for a way to block them from their social media all together. Meanwhile the person who made the comment feels as if they were the intelligent person to leave such a comment that was entirely reasonable (not even noticing the craters left by their verbal bombs).
I don’t know about you but in my youth there were times where my girlfriend or wife might say something, I would react, we would get in an argument… and in the middle of the argument I might even realize I was wrong. However, I didn’t want to LOSE the argument and so I would keep defending my position so that I didn’t “lose” (that could be why I ended up divorced, LOL).
The difference between reacting to something and creating a better response to some thing is simply taking a moment to “C” it first before responding. If you can take that second, two seconds or even three seconds to pause before responding, you can create something more positive, more empowering, more loving. Also, if you can take 1 or 2 or 20 minutes before posting that comment (especially on Q & A) you may find that fewer people find you to be a &^$#& (or just a pain in the backside).
In a world riddled with division and negativity, perhaps taking 3 seconds before responding could be a positive step at creating a new reality. Or at least taking a second could help us understand and serve our clients better.
Communication is a two way street. We need to take that moment to "C" it first before responding. And of course take a moment to consider our response before open the bomb bay doors.
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