React vs. Respond: You have the Power to Choose from

There's always action to be taken in life's various situations. Doing nothing is still an action. When presented with real-life scenes, most people simply either react or respond. What sets these two options apart, and which one is preferable? 

Let’s explore!

Differentiation:

• React: Reacting is often immediate, instinctual, and emotion-driven. It's a behaviour that occurs as an automatic reflex without much thought.
• Respond: Responding, on the other hand, involves thoughtful consideration. It's often more measured and reasoned, considering a situation's context, implications, and perspectives.

Examples:

1. At Work:

React: When a colleague criticises your project during a meeting, you immediately feel offended and snap back with a sarcastic comment.

Respond: You listen to the criticism, ask for specific examples, and suggest a follow-up meeting to address the concerns, taking time to gather your thoughts and emotions.

2. In Relationships:

React: Your partner forgets to call you, and you instantly feel angry, accusing them of being careless without understanding why they forgot.

Respond: You feel disappointed, but ask calmly why they forgot to call, seeking to understand their perspective and express your feelings appropriately.

3. On Social Media:

React: Seeing a post you disagree with, you quickly type an angry comment without fully understanding the context.

Respond: You read the post and the comments, reflect on your thoughts and then compose a respectful reply that conveys your perspective.

Storification

Many years ago, two ambitious young men named Akash and Bhavesh were invited to a lavish party at a billionaire's mansion. Akash was known for his quick wit and fiery spirit, while Bhavesh was admired for his patience and thoughtful disposition.

During the party, the billionaire, Mr. Dhanesh, announced an impromptu contest. "The one who impresses me the most with a business idea gets to partner with me on my next venture," he declared.

Being his usual reactive self, Akash immediately jumped up and started spouting his idea about space tourism. It was energetic, vibrant, and completely unplanned. He was all over the place, talking about rocket design, safety protocols, and marketing strategies - all at once.

While Akash's energy was infectious, his idea needed more focus and a clear path. His reaction to the situation had been quick but chaotic.

On the other hand, upon hearing the challenge, Bhavesh quietly excused himself and stepped into a corner. He took a few deep breaths, collected his thoughts, and began outlining his ideas about renewable energy technology.

When Bhavesh took the floor, he presented his plan with composure. He emphasised the need for sustainable energy sources, the profitability of the sector, and how his idea would contribute to a greener future. He had apparently responded to the situation rather than just reacting.

Ultimately, Mr. Dhanesh chose Bhavesh's well-thought-out idea over Akash's enthusiastic but chaotic one. It was not better by design but because Bhavesh could stay composed, think things through, and deliver a concise response.

From that day forward, Akash learned a valuable lesson: reacting might get you noticed, but responding effectively can win the day. And for us, dear readers, remember that life is not just about the speed of our actions but the depth of our thoughts and the clarity of our responses.

You, too, have the power to choose from reaction and response. 

AND ONE More thing!

"To react is to be a slave to our emotions, while to respond is to master them. Reacting causes chaos; responding brings peace."

Decide!