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Reaction vs Response Distinction
A cognitive model distinguishing between automatic emotional reactions and conscious, chosen responses to events
Decision Rule
When something happens, pause and ask: 'Am I reacting automatically or responding consciously?'
How It Works
Reactions are immediate, emotional, and often disproportionate. Responses are considered, chosen, and proportionate to actual impact
Failure Modes
Over-controlling emotions to the point of disconnection
Judging reactions as bad instead of just automatic
Taking too long to respond in time-sensitive situations
Example Decision
“Someone cuts you off in traffic. Reaction: honking, cursing, elevated heart rate. Response: acknowledging annoyance but maintaining focus on safe driving”
Related Knowledge
Meaning is assigned, not inherent
You have power over your experience through conscious meaning-making rather than being victim of circumstances
External wealth cannot create internal fulfillment
Happiness is a skill to be developed internally rather than achieved through external acquisition
The Happiness Triangle
A three-component system for achieving sustained happiness by controlling focus, state, and story interpretation
Train selective attention on valuable versus trivial matters
Maintaining emotional equilibrium when facing minor setbacks, automatic filtering of trivial from important
Develop conscious control over emotional state entering situations
Choosing your emotional state before important situations, responding rather than reacting to events
Precious vs Trivial Filter
A decision filter that categorizes experiences by their true value to your wellbeing and happiness