Prepare
In this mission, your goal is to let go of your opinions and push yourself to see the truth. Live actively. There is no room for passivity, automated reactions, and biases. Take control of your actions. Respond, not react.
To make it easier, here’s the SLOWED Method:
Slow: Breathe. Slow down your actions to think before you act, “Is it in my control?”
Write: Use journaling to learn from the day and life in general. Reflect on your experiences to gain insights and break out of old patterns.
Delay: Whenever you feel an irresistible urge to take some action, like going on a trip, or yelling at someone, just delay it. If the desire persists after a few days, then do it, else it was just an emotional reaction.
As you master a SLOWED state of living, you become more capable of diagnosing yourself. And, it is only when you understand yourself that you can change your REACTION into RESPONSE. Next time when you find yourself in…
Disappointment due to a result:
Breathe. Calm down. Think whether the disappointment is rooted in something within your control or out of control. Do better at the things in your control next time and don’t be bothered by the external factors.
An argument with someone:
Slow down, breathe. Listen to what the other person really means regardless of their race, religion, or any other bias you may have. Check if you overlooked a logical argument by the other person?
An impulse to buy something:
Delay the payment for a day or week. If you still think that item is necessary, go buy it. This way you become less vulnerable to selling tricks that rely on a sense of urgency.
Anger over some criticism:
Delay your angry reaction. Think about why the other person is criticizing you. Later, write down your thoughts in a journal along with the lessons you derive from them. Learn, and be better.