In the future, you will encounter situations that may be challenging. When this happens, try to stay focused on your emotions and avoid reacting reflexively. Identify your needs—this is what you’ve been practicing.

Imagine how good it feels to be satisfied with how you handled the situation.

a) Dissatisfied      b) Neutral           c) Satisfied

It’s important to reflect on whether you are happy with how you managed the situation afterward. If you are satisfied, you’ve made a good choice. If you’re not satisfied, it’s a sign that you reacted to something.

To better understand your reaction:

• Identify what triggered your reaction and try to understand why.
• Remember that reactions often stem from a need or an expectation of how things should be.
• Practice understanding your needs in different situations, and take note of when you feel dissatisfied. Dissatisfaction often arises when you’ve done something you didn’t truly want to do.