How to Act, Not React

When you're under stress, you might respond to situations and events in a way that, in retrospect, won't make you happy. Look at some of these scenarios and see how you can act from a position of strength instead of simply reacting to minimize your future regrets. 

Reacting: You choose a course of action based upon what others think, going against what you know will be most useful. 
Acting From Strength: You are in a position of authority and will not be swayed by what others think. 

Reacting: You are unclear of how to proceed in a given situation and instead of waiting until you understand what direction to take, you act impulsively.
Acting From Strength: You are aware that you don't have sufficient information to make a decision. You let it be known that a decision will be made when that information is received. 

Reacting: You cannot separate from the stress of the moment. Emotions rather than logic guide your actions.
Acting From Strength: You are able to detach from the apparent "crisis," and analyze the situation before you act.  

Excerpt from "Our Power as Women" by Helene Lerner