Knee Jerk

HAPPY 8/8/08!!
Originally uploaded by Kolby Schnelli

Knee jerk reactions are rarely the best response. It doesn't matter what the situation is. In the heat of the moment a knee jerk reaction can feel like the right thing, because something must be done.

Think back to some of the mistakes you have made in your life. Many times were they not the result of an overreaction to a difficult situation? I know it's been the case in my life. A knee jerk response to a crisis. A quick response out of anger. The examples are endless.

Laws passed by governments in the wake of media and public panic are often judged by history as overreactions. Clamping down on all employees when one employee "sins" often breeds resentment for management, not just the "sinner", and are viewed by most as overreactions.

Unless wisdom is a prevailing force, most humans respond poorly when under pressure.

Of course, the easy part is identifying the necessity of wisdom in your life. The hard part is capturing it and then using it when it is needed, but it is well worth the effort.

"Some folks are wise and some are otherwise." ~ Tobias Smollett