How do you handle adversity? Are you a responder or a reactor?
Using insights from episode 780 of my podcast, The Marsh Buice Podcast, we dove into a crucial distinction highlighted in Dr. Bhrett McCabe's book, "Break Free from Suckville." According to McCabe, your future largely depends on whether you react or respond to life's challenges.
**Reactors**, as McCabe describes them, primarily focus on avoidance and self-preservation when adversity strikes. Maybe you've found yourself trying to evade painful situations, perhaps resorting to blaming others, side-stepping difficulties, or outright running away. This "stopwatch mentality" of rushing decisions often leads to cluttered thinking, escalating problems further.
Sound familiar? (Don't worry, we got a fix for that.)
On the other end are **Responders**. Responders accept and confront adversity head-on. While they, too, feel the rush of emotions that come with adversity, they work through it, viewing adversity as an opportunity for growth and learning. This isn't about immediate relief but committing to the long run and working through situations for ultimate success.
The difference between these two mindsets can be massive. A reactor seeks survival, while responders-however days or months it takes, work toward ultimate success.
Responders understand that overcoming adversity is challenging and often painful. They embrace this truth, realizing that these trials aren't greater than them. They earn confidence and familiarity with adversity, not from books or motivational videos but through the experience of overcoming challenges.
Speaking from personal experience, transitioning from a reactor to a responder doesn't happen overnight. I was a reactor myself for a long time, barely hanging on in difficult situations. My change to a responder was hard-earned, with slow, steady progress. But looking back, it was not as long as it felt then, and the rewards were beyond measure.
Yet, it's crucial to remember that becoming a responder isn't a static achievement; it's a mindset and motive that requires constant iterations and practice.
On the other end are **Responders**. Responders accept and confront adversity head-on. While they, too, feel the rush of emotions that come with adversity, they work through it, viewing adversity as an opportunity for growth and learning. This isn't about immediate relief but committing to the long run and working through situations for ultimate success.
The difference between these two mindsets can be massive. A reactor seeks survival, while responders-however days or months it takes, work toward ultimate success.
Responders understand that overcoming adversity is challenging and often painful. They embrace this truth, realizing that these trials aren't greater than them. They earn confidence and familiarity with adversity, not from books or motivational videos but through the experience of overcoming challenges.
Speaking from personal experience, transitioning from a reactor to a responder doesn't happen overnight. I was a reactor myself for a long time, barely hanging on in difficult situations. My change to a responder was hard-earned, with slow, steady progress. But looking back, it was not as long as it felt then, and the rewards were beyond measure.
Yet, it's crucial to remember that becoming a responder isn't a static achievement; it's a mindset and motive that requires constant iterations and practice.
You must stay aware of noticing subtle shifts in your behavior that might indicate a return to a reactive mindset, such as avoiding conflict, minimizing pain, or shifting blame.
Wrapping it up, you can become a responder by embracing adversity as part of life rather than a problem to evade. As you shift from being a reactor to a responder, you're likely to positively influence those around you, developing resilience and grit that makes you unstoppable. But remember, pay attention to your narrative and your direction - they often go hand in hand.
Are you ready? Let's get it!
Wrapping it up, you can become a responder by embracing adversity as part of life rather than a problem to evade. As you shift from being a reactor to a responder, you're likely to positively influence those around you, developing resilience and grit that makes you unstoppable. But remember, pay attention to your narrative and your direction - they often go hand in hand.
Are you ready? Let's get it!
Keep it simple. Keep it moving. Never settle. Stay amazing.
~Marsh
Hear episode 780 in its entirety at www.marshbuice.com.
