STOP
The first step in making a good choice is to STOP. This means PAUSE before doing anything.
Why stop? Because when you react instantly — without thinking — you often make choices you regret. Your brain needs a moment to switch from 'react mode' to 'think mode.'
Stopping might look like:
- Freezing your body for a moment
- Taking a deep breath
- Putting your hands by your sides
- Closing your eyes briefly
- Saying to yourself, 'Wait. Think first.'
Here is a real example:
Situation: Someone cuts in front of you in line.
Without stopping: You push them and yell. (Bad choice → you get in trouble)
With stopping: You pause, take a breath, and give yourself time to think. (Good start!)
Stopping takes practice because your body wants to react instantly. But even a 3-second pause can be the difference between a good choice and a bad one.
Think of STOP like a red traffic light. Red means stop. Give yourself that red light moment before you go.