Weekly newsletter
I. Prompts for motivation
What’s the first thing you tend to do when confronted with immense overwhelm? Can you think of a time when you underwent intense pressure in the immediate moment but somehow managed to get through it with a sense of agency?
What does “response-ability” mean to you, and how does that look like in practice? Is there anyone you’ve come across in your life who seemingly lives by this principle in multiple contexts of their lives?
II. Thoughts for intention
Response-ability is the act of consciously remembering that we always reserve the right to choose our response in any given situation. It’s a proactive approach that enables us to focus on action and make deliberate decisions based on what we can control. By doing so, we stay empowered with an active and robust state of mind, which supports a healthier outlook on life.
It goes without saying that nothing can test our character and fortitude better than when we find ourselves deep in the thick of it, struggling in resistance to our most trying times. But it is in these moments that we could use the biggest reminder of all: you get to choose what to do next. What are you going to do about it? What’s your intention? It’s vital to recognize the importance of our choices, especially since how we navigate the situation largely influences what we take from it.
III. Ideas for preparation
We can get better at using our response-ability by adopting a proactive mindset. This involves taking the initiative to prepare and anticipate any needs or changes we foresee, rather than merely reacting to events soon after they unfold. Moreover, it sets us up for success and enables us to think ahead and create positive outcomes based on the results we’re looking for.
Another way to put this into practice is by embracing the pause before reacting. This gives you a moment to create space between a stimulus and a rising emotion that may need a few seconds to pass. As simple as it sounds, it’s a powerful way to stay in control of your faculties and call on your authenticity to stay aligned with your values, rather than acting out of habit or fear. Over time, this practice can help you strengthen your skills as you come to understand what you gain when you refrain from blaming conditions or circumstances for the quality of your everyday experience.
IV. Quotes for inspiration
“Look at the word responsibility—“response-ability”—the ability to choose your response. Highly proactive people recognize that responsibility. They do not blame circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior.”
― Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
― Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning
