08/24/2026
Are you choosing your response, or reacting to your story?
Something happens.
A client sends an email that feels a little off.
A prospect doesn’t call back.
A team member questions a decision.
A plan doesn’t work out the way you expected.
Those are the circumstances.
But then comes the story.
“They’re upset with me.”
“They don’t trust my leadership.”
“I’m going to lose this client.”
“This isn’t working.”
“I made the wrong choice.”
And suddenly, you’re no longer responding to what actually happened. You’re reacting to what you’ve decided it means.
That distinction matters.
Because when we apply our story to the facts and treat the two as if they’re the same thing, we can lose sight of the choices that are actually available to us.
So the next time you feel yourself reacting, try asking:
What are the facts?
What is the story I’m adding?
And if I separate the two, what would I choose?
That little bit of awareness can change the entire conversation.