How to Train Yourself to Pause Before You React - John Norlin
Release Date: 04/17/2026
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How to Train Yourself to Pause Before You React - John Norlin
The CharacterStrong Podcast
Today, host John Norlin shares a strategy called the Tactical Pause, a simple, trainable habit of pausing before responding in high-emotion situations so that reactions come from intention rather than regret. John walks through what it looks like in practice and why building this habit in low-stakes moments is what makes it available when it matters most. In this episode, John offers important reminders for educators and leaders: Responding from emotion in the moment is easy, the Tactical Pause is a trainable habit that creates space between a situation and your response. Practicing the pause...
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info_outlineToday, host John Norlin shares a strategy called the Tactical Pause, a simple, trainable habit of pausing before responding in high-emotion situations so that reactions come from intention rather than regret. John walks through what it looks like in practice and why building this habit in low-stakes moments is what makes it available when it matters most.
In this episode, John offers important reminders for educators and leaders:
- Responding from emotion in the moment is easy, the Tactical Pause is a trainable habit that creates space between a situation and your response.
- Practicing the pause in low-emotion situations is what makes it accessible when things get hard and the stakes are high.
- Simple cues like walking through a doorway can serve as a daily reminder to set an intention before entering a space or interaction.
- Responding with skill and empathy instead of emotion isn't one more thing on the plate, it is the actual plate.
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