To react and to respond. From a quick glance most people would not be able to differentiate between these two verbs that are synonyms of each other. In fact, it might be the case that people often use these two words interchangeably. However, I aim to make the distinction between reacting and responding. I believe that the words a person uses either reflects or more importantly alters one’s mentality.
To react means to act rapidly, swiftly or/and immediately to an external stimuli or situation and is often instinctual in nature. Reacting to something does not involve deliberate thought but rather is driven by impulse. We are able to react due to the quick connections our brain makes based on the past information and experience. One infamous example of such is fight or flight response. When faced with danger one either escapes from the situation and if that is not an option, will stand their ground and face the danger. A more mundane example would be when one hears a loud sound, they might flinch. In both cases, not much thinking if at all took place before the action was performed. Therefore, the individual is at the whims of his environment and not in control of himself or the situation making his actions passive despite how explosive reacting can be. The best image I can portray of the consequence of a reaction is one that can be found in a science lab. When one drops potassium in water, it creates an explosion. In this chemical reaction, the potassium dissolves in water and the explosion could harm anyone who happens to be nearby and unprotected. You are the potassium and the water is your situation.
On the other hand, to respond involves a level of thinking and reflection prior to an action being taken. When a person is responding to a situation, they are deliberately thinking about all the factors that confront him/her and are mindful of the consequences each factor has on the intended result. By taking a brief moment, even if it is a few mere seconds, you have transferred the control from the situation confronting you to yourself. As a result, allowing you the flexibility and adaptability required to procure the most optimal result. For example, you are a college student considering finding an apartment where you will have to pay rent. During your search you come across two options that you are really fixated on. One apartment has all the amenities you desire and is furnished but is on the more expensive side. The other apartment is cheap but is empty and has nothing. Due to your small budget, your initial reaction is to go for the cheaper apartment. However, you decided to think a little longer on your decision. Even if you hustled your way to finding all the furniture, setting up the Wi-Fi and even considering the cost of moving, the overall cost comes close to what you would have expected from the expensive apartment. Upon further reflection, you realized that your mental and overall well being would be in a better position if the basics of a living space were covered. In the end, you go for the expensive apartment. In this case, you responded to the dilemma.
Reason why the word you use matters is because the language you use conditions your action even if your intentions are different. By saying you are going to react you are subconsciously positioning yourself to make a quick and rapid decision which may not be the best course of action all the time. By saying you are going to respond it means that you will take a meaningful and thought-through action which in most circumstances is the best course to take. By having more control over your situation and yourself, you give yourself more power. This is the case because power is one’s ability to exert control. At least in the context of one’s individual development, to have more control over one’s self is essential to address the issues that the individual themselves are facing. In the end, one can only effectively change or affect their external environment by having their internal environment in order or a state that is optimal for the individual. Therefore, one must respond not react.