Sometimes, the best reaction is no reaction. This might sound confusing, especially if you’ve never heard it before, but it’s true. When people insult you or try to provoke you, they’re often looking for a reaction. If you show them no reaction, you come out on top, especially when it comes to your life, your success, and the people around you.
When wisdom falls on deaf ears, silence is golden. You’ve probably heard this phrase before, and for a good reason: knowing when to remain silent is crucial. If someone insults you or calls you names that don’t define you, you don’t need to explain yourself. These are moments when it’s better to remain calm, say nothing, and perhaps even smile. If you’re speaking and someone tries to provoke you, just stop talking. Bullies feed off reactions, and the less reaction you give, the stronger and more resilient you become, especially as you get older.
Being argumentative and trying to defend yourself against baseless accusations can make you look worse. In these situations, it’s better not to say anything at all. As I’ve mentioned, sometimes the best reaction is no reaction—showing nothing, just smiling and taking it in. Bullies are used to people retaliating quickly, saying things like, “I’m not that kind of person,” or “What are you talking about?” When you respond this way, you’ve fallen into their trap. Instead, try saying something like, “I see,” or say nothing at all. This is how you win in these scenarios. The best reaction is sometimes no reaction at all.
Let them insult you, let them call you names that don’t apply to you. If someone calls you an elephant, you won’t get mad or upset because you know you’re not an elephant. The same concept applies here. When you master this mentality, you’ll notice how little power people have over you. Practice this approach as often as possible, especially in public settings. This doesn’t mean you should allow yourself to be bullied, but there are times when showing no reaction is the best course of action. Remember, it doesn’t matter what they say about you—what truly matters is what you say about you!
If you’re interested in exploring this subject further, consider joining MJ’s upcoming events, where these topics will be discussed in detail.
We welcome your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below. For one-on-one coaching, feel free to contact Milad Emjay
