Response vs. Reaction: The Power of the 90-Second Pause

There’s a huge difference between responding and reacting, and that difference can transform how we handle stress, conflict, and challenges.

🔹 Reacting is impulsive and emotional—it often comes from a place of defensiveness, frustration, or fear. It’s a quick attempt to end the situation, but it often makes things worse.
🔹 Responding is thoughtful and intentional—it allows us to acknowledge, address, and resolve the issue in a way that leads to positive outcomes.

💡 The 90-Second Pause: Your Key to Responding Instead of Reacting
Before acting, pause for 90 seconds and:
✔️ Take a deep breath (or two) to regulate yourself
✔️ Resist the urge to respond immediately
✔️ Identify what you’re feeling and why
✔️ Put ego aside—consider other perspectives
✔️ Think through potential outcomes

⏳ There’s a thin line between pausing and avoiding—the goal is not to escape but to give yourself the clarity needed to come back and handle things effectively.

When we respond, we stay in control of ourselves and the situation. When we react, we often escalate the problem. Choose to respond. Choose self-awareness. Choose growth.