There is a simple success formula originally authored by Jack Canfield, E+R=O. Emotions + Response = Outcome. If you’re liking your current outcomes with your goals, people, or overall business, then your emotions are likely producing the right responses. If there are areas where you are not getting the outcomes you want, your emotions may be telling you something. The responses you’re having to those emotions are definitely affecting your outcomes. Denials, angry outbursts, avoidance, appeasement, even playing things off with humor are all responses based on how we feel about an event or opportunity.
In March 2020, we all experienced an event that produced a variety of emotions—fear, panic, worry to name a few. I didn’t have a pandemic action plan in place when we set our goals for 2020. I bet you didn’t either. I remember eight speaking engagements cancelling in one day. I had a flood of emotions and a sleepless night. And then, I remembered Jack’s formula. My emotions were a normal and predictable response to dramatic, unexpected change. But my response was what would ultimately matter—for me, my family, my clients, and my team.
Our response is rooted in our ability to manage our emotions and control them. When we practice the ability to step back, take a deep breath of faith, and ask, “What does this now make possible?” it will make all the difference in our results. Like you, last year we had every good reason to play the victim card, make excuses, pull the covers up over our heads, or throw a bunch of blame around, but it wouldn’t have created our future or propelled us forward with strength, creativity, and growth.
When we recognize and manage our emotions, thoughtfully choose our responses, and use them to fuel the future, we can create the outcomes we desire. I have that power and so do you, no matter what else the future has up her sleeve to throw at us!
The problem is never the problem. The problem is always our response to the problem.
~ Bohdi Sanders
