S7 Ep5: Why We React – The Psychology Behind Our Actions

Welcome back to Your Path to Career Success!In this 19-minute episode, we dive into the fascinating world of human behaviour and unpack why we react the way we do — especially under pressure. Understanding the psychology behind your responses can transform how you lead, communicate, and make decisions in your career. Whether you're navigating uncertainty, receiving tough feedback, or managing others, learning to respond (rather than react) is a skill every successful leader needs.🗂 What You’ll Learn in This Episode• The Science of Reaction – How your brain is wired to protect you, and why that can sometimes hold you back.• The Role of the Amygdala – What’s really happening in your brain when emotions run high.• Creating Space to Respond – Simple techniques to pause, reflect, and choose how you want to show up.• The Link Between Emotion and Decision-Making – How unchecked reactions can derail your strategic thinking.• Leading With Intent – Why self-awareness is the foundation for authentic, confident leadership.What next?A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path To Career Success – where your dreams and your career intertwine!🦉 Book a free discovery call to explore how my Unlock Your Career Potential coaching programme can support your leadership goals.🦉 If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to lead with intention.🦉 Interested in working with me 1-2-1? Book a slot here: https://calendly.com/thecareerowl.🦉 You can also connect with me over on LinkedIn for more career strategy and leadership insights.Stick around for more episodes that help you grow into the leader you were meant to be.Useful Resources🎧 Further Listening & Reading•Book: Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman – A foundational read on the role of self-awareness and self-regulation in leadership.•TED Talk: How to Stay Calm When You Know You'll Be Stressed – Daniel Levitin – A practical and engaging explanation of how to plan for emotional triggers.•Article: The Neuroscience of Leadership – Harvard Business Review – Explores how brain science supports the shift from reactive to reflective leadership.🛠 Practical Tools & Exercises•Emotional Triggers Journal: Track what situations spark strong emotional reactions at work and how you responded. Reflect on patterns and identify areas for intentional improvement.•The 90-Second Rule: Based on Jill Bolte Taylor’s theory – when you feel triggered, pause for 90 seconds to let the emotion pass before choosing how to respond.•Box Breathing Technique: A simple yet effective breathing method used by Navy SEALs to calm the nervous system and regain control during high-stress moments.🧠 Coaching Tools You Might Love•My Unlock Your Career Potential Coaching Programme – Dive deeper into mindset and behavioural change with 1-2-1 support tailored to your leadership journey.I would love to know what you think of the episode