I’ve sent 237,999 emails in the past five years.
I’ve seen pretty much every response one could imagine.
“Unfortunately…”
“We’d be glad to talk more …”
The list goes on and on.
The other day, I got a response that I couldn’t shake off.
I’ve received a handful of these before.
The email read, “F*CK YOU.”
My initial reaction was to call the phone number in her signature.
I wanted explain to her how I felt and ask whether she’d treat her former students in the same way.
Another part of me wanted to say, “F*CK YOU” back.
Then, I was reminded of a practice I’ve been developing over the past 237,999 emails.
Pause.
Breathe.
Choose how I respond.
The last part has been the difference maker.
Remembering that I have a choice in how I respond to the information around me.
Next time you’re in a similar situation, don’t give away your power.
Pause.
Breathe.
Choose how you respond.
