To act means to produce a result. Many of us are doers, we love to accomplish things, reach goals, act on ideas, begin or complete projects, close deals, etc. But what happens when we go beyond action to reaction? Well obviously we still produce a result, but often it may not a positive one.

In fact, we may not be moving beyond at all - but backing up.

To react means to move in opposition to, in the opposite direction of and/or undergo a chemical change(reaction) - WOW!

It evens effects the body!

I'm making a reaction sound like an `undesirable' - is it? For me it is because it disturbs my peace of mind. It increases my heart rate, blood pressure and who knows what else.

The reason: my survival instincts have kicked in. To react is natural at any time we feel threatened. These instincts have worked well to keep our species alive.

So if I react I am attempting to protect myself. From what?

From hurt, embarrassment, loneliness, poverty, loss of face, loss of job, from being wrong, fear and confusion when my beliefs are challenged - the list is endless - depending on what you base your happiness and/or security on.

As an example, you might react to slow drivers when it is you who didn't allow enough time to get where you were going. You might experience a moment of panic when you read about a great new idea someone has turned into a real moneymaker and YOU had the idea six months earlier, yet didn't act on it. Suppose the air conditioner in your car breaks, presenting you with a hefty repair bill - do you pound the steering wheel and kick the tires trying to get back at the car; or do you take responsibility for not having the extra cash because you didn't manage your money well?

You may take an instant dislike to that new committee person who has very different views from yours, Yes, this is threatening.

Any and all of these may kick in your need to protect yourself to some degree, whether the reaction is internal or external.

I find for myself and for many of my clients that we react when our reserves are low (tired, frustrated, overwhelmed, hungry, feeling sorry for ourselves, over extended with time and finances.)

In other words when we are not taking good care of ourselves. When we get stuck on the treadmill/insanity of life and we can't afford any more upsets. As we develop our reserves and get our needs met, we can afford more upsets or perceived consequences.

Do you want to be reaction free?

Is it of value? For me, the answer is Yes!

I choose to be internally motivated to act rather than externally to act or react.

I choose to control and evolve myself as opposed to letting life control me.

Your awareness of a reaction and its source will help to eliminate it. (Your mission should you decide to accept it). Some reactions will continue until you have built enough reserves to protect you from the `realities' of life and money.

Money, of course, being the means to secure our basic survival needs.

Here are 3 ways to move you along the way:

1.Notice 5 things you react to most 2.Discover why you react to each one. 3.Commit to either evolving beyond it or re-designing it.

Really, it is that simple!