At times it’s easy to overreact and take extreme or overly aggressive action, especially when there are strong emotions present, such as fear, anger, or passion. For example, you might go through a frightening experience, and afterwards feel compelled to take extreme safety measures, simply because your fear is driving those decisions. Or you might have such a strong feeling of passion about a goal that you wish to achieve that you might take on too much, too soon in an attempt to cross the finish line sooner.
The problem with extreme reactions like these is that they are not sustainable long-term, and they are rarely even effective in the short-term. You expend so much of your energy and power so quickly that you are left feeling drained and frustrated. And what little progress you make will seem trivial when compared to the energy and effort you had to put forth in order to get it.
Even worse, pushing too hard and taking drastic measures to overcome a challenge can even cause you to over-correct and trigger a chain reaction that results in more problems and delays than you would have experienced otherwise.
Instead, it’s wiser to take a more balanced approach to action whenever possible. Rather than plowing forward with drastic measures, you will often accomplish much more by taking just a few carefully considered steps in the right direction. Your energy will be conserved, and you will empower yourself with the inspiration to take another step, and another after that.
If you have a habit of overreacting in stressful or trying circumstances, or if you regularly push yourself excessively hard when you are going after something you want, start creating a new practice of pausing for a minute or two instead of launching immediately into action. During the pause, ask yourself these questions: “Are my emotions running high right now? Are the actions I am about to take actually an overreaction? What is really driving my extreme reactions right now? How can I take a more balanced, thoughtful approach in this situation?”
Stay present and aware as you breathe deeply and allow your emotions to calm down. Usually, just connecting with the awareness that you are in a state of overreaction can help you to return to a state of clarity and calmness. Once your emotions feel stable and calm, then you can consider the best course of action and begin formulating a sensible plan to move in that direction.
Taking such a mild approach to large challenges may seem counter-intuitive at first. But in most cases, the action steps themselves may not be much different than the steps you would have taken in your state of overreaction. It’s just the magnitude and intensity of those steps will be lessened so that they feel more manageable and far less draining.
Occasionally, you may indeed encounter situations where swift, extreme action is necessary and even beneficial. However, taking a few moments to think it through and make the decision from a state of calm and clarity will help you to be more mindful throughout the process, rather than allowing turbulent emotions to drive your responses.
