Have you noticed that in today’s world, there are a lot of overreactors out there? It seems like people get offended and humiliated so easily, and they overreact to even the smallest things

This really affects your performance on your job. This could determine whether or not you get promoted in your job. It will affect whether or not you get repeat business from your customers.

I have a confession to make today. I used to be one of those people. I was so overreactive that the very first millionaire I ever had the chance to work with used to grab me by the shoulders and say, “Dani, ACT. Don’t react.” I used to just look at him, because I didn’t understand what he was saying at the time.

Then there was another young man who was very successful, and one time he said to me, “You know what your problem is, Dani? You totally overreact to everything. You have to act instead of reacting.”

When they said this to me, I honestly did not see myself as an overreactor, and I didn’t understand the concept of “act, don’t react.”

But looking back at the big picture, I see it. I came from this hostile, abusive home. I was raised by my abusive stepfather and my mother, who were drug addicts. I was raised in an environment of violence and non-stop screaming, and no peace. And we are all a product of our environment.

I was used to a crazy, hostile environment, and I brought that into these situations with these two businessmen. I completely overreacted!

I’m telling you this because there really are a lot of overreactors out there today. And just like I was one of them and didn’t know it, you could also be one without knowing.

I want you to think about some overreactors you know. People who just completely freak out. It’s really easy to find them, especially on social media. It really blows my mind how often people totally overreact to what other people post on Facebook and Twitter. Those people expose who they are, their immaturity and weakness, for all the world to see. And they’re actually making themselves look pretty stupid.

I don’t want you to judge those people. Use it as an opportunity to learn from them. Take that chance to look in the mirror and say, “Do I look like that? Do I instantly judge and assume I knew what the other person meant? Do I freak out over things and think the world is falling apart?”

Think about when you get hurt by someone. What is your reaction in comparison to the offense? You could be like I was – a total reactor – and not even realize it.

Let’s look at this. If one of your employees is supposed to meet a deadline and they don’t, are you the one who freaks out and stresses out as a result of that?

Or, let’s say you’re the one with the deadline. Maybe you got distracted with a few things, whether it was surfing the Internet or having a conversation, and the deadline sneaks up on you and you start freaking out. “Oh no! I have a deadline! What am I going to do??” Your heart is racing, your breath is shallow and you have this massive anxiety that comes over you.

I’m telling you right now, overreacting never helps anyone think clearly. It doesn’t make you look good, and it does not make you dependable. It does not cause others to have confidence in you. Freaking out does not get the job done. Here’s what does: Peace.

I want you to evaluate yourself today. Like I said, I was an overreactor and I didn’t know it. I had 2 men call me out on it, and I still didn’t get it. Now that I look back, I see it. The world was falling apart any time something bad happened. I freaked out about absolutely everything, whether it was about my kids, marriage, money, business or politics. I would get nothing done because I was so full of anxiety.

So look in the mirror and find the places where you overreact to things. And the next time you see someone totally freak out, don’t freak out back to them. Use that situation to grow yourself. Choose to have real maturity instead of acting like a 7th grader. Learn from them, but do not be one of them.

We do NOT need more overreactors in the world – we need more people who can take a deep breath and say “No” to anxiety. We need people who will choose peace. Because in that peace, you will be more productive. You will become more dependable. And you will move forward in your career, business, and personal life because of it.

I’d love to hear your stories. Have you ever overreacted to a situation? What did you learn from that? What did you learn today that you will apply in your own life? You can leave me your comments below and please also take a minute to share this message with your friends, family, coworkers and social networks. This could help them to get promoted in their jobs, get more clients for their business or even help restore and strengthen relationships. All those amazing things and all you have to do is share this.

And, I’m looking forward to sharing more ideas with you this Sunday evening on The Dani Johnson Show at 9 pm ET/8 pm CT. For special insights into how a true “2%-er” dials down the “drama” and ramps up the “peace” in his life, gather up your friends and family along with a pen and notebook and tune in via television, radio, live streaming online, your tablet or your smartphone. It’s your chance to make a “drama”-tic change in your life!

In great faith,

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