Knowledge Marketplace
My First Million

My First Million

The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.

Back to Mental Models

Reaction vs Response Distinction

A cognitive model distinguishing between automatic emotional reactions and conscious, chosen responses to events

Decision Rule

When something happens, pause and ask: 'Am I reacting automatically or responding consciously?'

How It Works

Reactions are immediate, emotional, and often disproportionate. Responses are considered, chosen, and proportionate to actual impact

Failure Modes

Over-controlling emotions to the point of disconnection

Judging reactions as bad instead of just automatic

Taking too long to respond in time-sensitive situations

Example Decision

Someone cuts you off in traffic. Reaction: honking, cursing, elevated heart rate. Response: acknowledging annoyance but maintaining focus on safe driving