Are you Responding or Reacting?

The E+R=O formula is a powerful concept taught by Jack Canfield, a well-known author and motivational speaker. The formula stands for:

Event + Response = Outcome

In essence, the formula suggests that the outcome of any situation in our lives is determined by how we respond to the events that occur.

Here’s a breakdown of the formula:

• Event (E): This refers to any situation, circumstance, or experience that happens in our lives. Events can be positive, negative, or neutral, and they can be within or outside of our control.
• Response (R): This refers to how we react to the event. Our response can be emotional, physical, or mental, and it can be conscious or unconscious. Our response determines how we interpret the event and what meaning we give to it.
• Outcome (O): This refers to the result or consequence of the event and our response to it. The outcome can be positive, negative, or neutral, and it can have a significant impact on our lives.

The key idea behind the E+R=O formula is that we have the power to choose our response to any event. While we may not be able to control the events that happen in our lives, we can control how we respond to them. By choosing a positive and empowering response, we can create a more desirable outcome.

Here’s an example to illustrate this:

• Event (E): You lose your job due to company restructuring.
• Response (R): You can respond with anger, frustration, and despair (negative response), or you can respond with optimism, resilience, and a determination to find a new opportunity (positive response).
• Outcome (O): If you respond negatively, the outcome might be a prolonged period of unemployment, financial struggles, and a damaged self-esteem. If you respond positively, the outcome might be a new job opportunity, a chance to pursue a new career path, and a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.

By applying the E+R=O formula, we can take ownership of our responses and create more desirable outcomes in our lives. We can learn to respond to challenges and setbacks in a way that empowers us, rather than victimizes us.

Jack Canfield teaches that by using the E+R=O formula, we can:

• Achieve our goals and realize our dreams
• Take responsibility for our lives and our outcomes
• Develop a growth mindset and learn from our experiences
• Build resilience and bounce back from setbacks
• Create a more positive and empowering mindset