In this post, we’ll unpack all you need to know about reacting versus responding, defining exactly what they are, distinguishing the differences and more.
What Is Reacting?
Reacting is an instinctual behaviour that is directed by the subconscious mind.
What Is Responding?
Responding is a deliberate behaviour that is directed by the conscious mind.
What is The Difference Between Pleasure & Joy?
Reacting stems from the oldest part of the brain — the reptilian brain. Responding stems from the newest part of the brain — the human brain.
Reacting involves one possibility. Responding involves many possibilities.
Reacting is derived from a place of fear. Responding is derived from a place of love.
Reacting is derived from a scarcity mindset. Repainting is derived from an abundance mindset.
Reacting is emotional and thus instant. Responding is thoughtful and thus delayed.
When you react, you lose power. When you respond, you maintain power.
Reacting Versus Responding Table summary
Below is a table summarising the differences between reacting and responding.
| Reacting | Responding |
|---|---|
| Subconscious Mind | Conscious Mind |
| Reptilian Brain | Human brain |
| One Possibility | Many Possibilities |
| Fear | Love |
| Instant | Delayed |
| Emotional | Thoughtful |
| Lose Power | Maintain Power |
Life Is Both
While the need to react was essential to our ability to survive during our ancient past, it no longer serves us. Fortunately, the ability to respond is a skill and therefore it can be mastered with practice.
The key to developing the ability to respond is through the practice of mindfulness — a process that involves observing your mind and its activity without getting caught up in it.
By developing the ability to respond, you become the Master of your Destiny instead of a Slave to your Fate.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” — Viktor E. Frankl
Summary (TL;DR)
Reacting is an instinctual behaviour that is directed by the subconscious mind. Responding is a deliberate behaviour that is directed by the conscious mind.
The key to developing the ability to respond is through practicing mindfulness. In doing so, you become the Master of your Destiny instead of a Slave to your Fate.
