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Being responsible means we are response-able. Between stimulus and response, we humans have the power to choose. This is what separates us from mere animals who rely solely upon instinct. Thank you to Stephen Covey for this insight.

Acknowledging this, then, we must take stock of our Response Ability. How well do we do responding to the obstacles of life? How effective are we in our responses? Are they measured, correct, and appropriate? Are they productive and emotionally sound?

Far too many people react emotionally, childishly, rashly, and recklessly to the things that happen in their lives. Strangely, I contend they actually enjoy it! I observed a thirty-something man on a cell phone in a public restroom yesterday berate someone while watching himself in the mirror. The only thing more ridiculous than what he was saying was how he was saying it. He seemed to be getting some kind of satisfaction from playing the idiot.

Don't be like him. Stay away from antics and the instinctive responses that should be left to animals. Be an emotionally mature human being, with love in your heart, understanding in your voice, and resolution in your attitude. Remember that no matter what happens to you, it is within your freedom of choice to respond appropriately. Choose. And choose wisely.

How high is your Response Ability?

Posted in LLR Daily Application

7 responses to “Response Ability”

James

June 10, 2010

Wow… I’ve recently been in a similar situation, with two people…
The berating one was a direct response to a ocean of previous berating on their behalf.
Sometimes people just explode and loose it…
I agree with everything you’re saying. I think the important thing is prevention too. Human beings can only stretch so far before they break. Some people push the boundaries of a “response” ability.
Sometimes a violent response ability feels the best. But it certainly has it’s consequences.

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Stephen Hartka

June 10, 2010

The response is directly related to the emotional intelligence of the individual.
That said, too often it seems that stress from sources external to the situation at hand cause people to over-react and take it out on someone.
It’s bad enough to have an abusive boss at work, but Relationships, unfortunately, are especially tough in this regard. Too often, I personally have experienced this and it hurts both parties.
From The Greatest Salesman on Earth – approach all persons with love in your heart; From Covey – Seek first to understand.
Words of Wisdom…

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David H Nelson

June 11, 2010

Hi Chris,
I would say the difference between humans and everything else is that Jesus Christ died for us so we could have eternal life with him. Everything else is just stuff.
Do you know why the evil one came to Eve and not to Adam?
I think it was because Adam would eat anything Eve gave him no questions asked.
Eve on the other hand would’ve told Adam ” Get away from me, I ain’t eating that”. Ever notice how much easier it is for you to follow your wife than it is for her to follow you. Listen to the troll people CD. You had to sneak in the TEAM cult cd’s into her church music.
East Coast Dave in Florida

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Cathy – Team Rascals

June 14, 2010

Chris,
Yesterday I was in a situation where I had to correct someone’s less than responsible actions in response to a situation.
While everyone else was dealing with a minor disaster in our home and keeping our resident toddler granddaughter safe and out of the mess, all one of our adult kids could concentrate on was screaming about whose fault it was. While one person distracted the child and two others cleaned up the mess, I dealt with the screaming adult.
I told the adult in emergency situations involving children in the home, there are two things to do, first to ensure the child’s safety and second, to clean up the mess. I said in no way was screaming or blame-casting anywhere on that list, and screaming, save for life-threatening situations, was not necessary at all in the first place.
When things had calmed down and the mess cleaned up, I praised the one who’d distracted the child and those who’d cleaned up the mess. I reminded the one who had caused it of why it happened and how to make sure it didn’t happen again. That person calmly apologized and accepted responsibility for the situation.
The mess had been caused by a glass left unthinkingly on the edge of the dining room table. The toddler had pulled it off, breaking it. Thus, more life lessons were learned by living with a toddler, who I am convinced has 6 more hands than the average resident adult . . .

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Michael Collins

December 14, 2011

Chris, it is about 1000 times higher that it was pre Team. Thanks to all of you for that, Mike.

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Kortney Cox

January 21, 2016

GREAT read Chris!!! As sad as it is, I believe that some people truly ENJOY belittling/berating others. It’s the “holier-than-thou” syndrome. This lack of Response Ability will end up BITING (😬) them eventually!
“Stand apart from me. Don’t come near me. For I am holier than thou.” (Isaiah 65:5)
Kortney Cox

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David

July 9, 2017

Good perspective. I need to always be on the lookout and respond appropriately. I forget to be thankful at times.

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