Before you respond to life's events, take time to think clearly and calmly about what you are doing. Before you respond to the situations that come your way, take time to remember who you are and the direction you want to be moving.

A frantic, emotional reaction made in haste can often push you back even more than the event to which you are reacting. On the other hand, a calm, thoughtful response can usually bring a positive outcome from what would otherwise be a negative situation.

Certainly it is sensible to respond promptly to whatever life sends your way. Yet that does not mean that you must respond thoughtlessly and carelessly.

Before you say something you could regret for a long time, take a moment to calmly consider it. Before you do something that might take years to overcome, take a moment to thoughtfully consider your response.

A calm, well-considered response is a powerful response. Take time to think, and the way you respond will keep you moving positively forward.