Practice What Works: Pause and Breathe

Why is it that we don’t always practice what we know to be effective? Because we get caught up in the moment. Because we are triggered by something and get in a reactive mode. I know what works for me when I am triggered by something or someone is to pause and breathe. Sometimes I do well with this practice. Sometimes I don’t do so well.

When was the last time someone pressed your buttons? Or you felt attacked? Or you took things personally? Or things didn’t turn out the way you planned or discussed with your co-worker, boss or spouse?

I’m guessing this happens anywhere from one to twenty times a day. We have many opportunities on a daily basis to do a mid-moment, course correction – not just on “correcting other people” but on adjusting ourselves in how we respond to what shows up.

I had this experience today. I’ll just say, I intended to get clarity on why something appeared the way it was. The person receiving my communication felt criticized and attacked me back. I got triggered and was more reactive than I could have been. I realized it would have been move helpful for me to pause, take a breath or come back to it on another day.

But then I did what I tell my clients to do: debriefed with a trusted advisor, reached out to follow up with the person to clear the air going forward, and solidified my resolve to take space in the moment going forward, enlisting support from those who know what I am working on.

Where do you get triggered? Who do you trust to help you stay focused on better managing yourself for better outcomes?

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