Are You Reacting or Choosing?

"Reacting is what happens when you move through your day on autopilot. You're constantly fielding every ping, every request, every "got a minute?" as it comes in. It's like playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole-emails, Slack messages, kid drop-offs, last-minute meeting invites-pop, pop, pop. You are so concerned with responding quickly to each one that you never stop to ask yourself whether it deserves your time or energy in the first place."

"In the short term, it feels productive. You're crossing tasks off your to-do list - never mind that the list keeps getting longer as more emails come through. But the cost of reactivity is that it leaves you scattered, drained, and at the mercy of other people's priorities. You end the day depleted, with little energy left for the things that matter most to you."

Reacting to incoming requests and interruptions creates the illusion of productivity while scattering attention and draining energy. Constantly responding to emails, messages, school calls, and impromptu requests prevents connection with longer-term priorities. Reactivity prioritizes urgency over importance and leaves projects and meaningful work stalled. Choosing intentionally involves pausing before responding, evaluating urgency, and checking alignment with personal values and larger goals. Intentional choices direct time and energy toward what matters most, reduce depletion, increase confidence, and build fulfillment. Choosing does not eliminate helping others but ensures energy supports prioritized commitments rather than others' agendas.

Read at Psychology Today