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Your Trigger Isn't the Problem—Your Reaction Is...
- Nicole F. Smith, M.Ed. (CEO/Founder)
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Hello....Hello There!
Right now you are skipping, sprinting, or even running really fast into 2026. Let's pause and take a breath.
Remember, Day 1 Leadership Challenge yesterday?
Here is a recap.
Today's Challenge: Notice the first emotion you feel today. Name it. Delay your response for 10 seconds. Then choose your next move intentionally and with clarity. (If you need more than 10 seconds, please take the pause.)
Let's dive into Day 2! It won't take too long...
OK! Here you go:
DAY 2 — Own Your Triggers
Leaders lose credibility when they blame reactions on triggers. "They made me react that way" is a lie you tell yourself to avoid accountability.
Triggers reveal where growth is needed, not where excuses live. The moment you stop blaming the trigger, you start leading yourself.
Today's Challenge: Identify one trigger that keeps getting the best of you. Write down the story you attach to it… and rewrite it.
Example: Your trigger is when your team misses a deadline.
Old story: "Respect is one of my values. And they don't respect my time. This always happens."
Rewritten story: "They're juggling competing priorities. I need to clarify expectations earlier and check in midweek."
Reflection Question: What trigger has been running your emotional responses instead of you?
Give yourself permission to rewrite your story. If you want help mapping your triggers to better behaviors, reply "Trigger Map."
See you tomorrow!
With gratitude and impact,
Nicole F. Smith, CEO/Founder, JMS Creative Leadership Solutions
Creator of the EQ Impact® Framework
Before You Go — A Quick Note
If you’re thinking about bringing EQ Impact® into your organization or want to work with me directly…
My 2026 calendar is already filling up.
I want to see you and your organization win. So here’s my commitment: I’m offering a limited-time discount to organizations and individuals who secure their 2026 slot now. If you’re serious about elevating your leaders, this is your moment. Claim it before it’s gone.
Now is the time to connect.
Let’s talk about your goals, your people, and the emotional stamina your organization needs to thrive.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. This isn’t just my story — it’s ours.
Together, we’re building leaders, including yourself, to lead with courage, compassion, and emotional brilliance.
Want to set up some time? Let's talk: Click here!
Leaders choose to work with me and my team because we don’t just talk strategy. We build emotionally intelligent leaders who lead with clarity, presence, and purpose.
You're receiving this email because you’re not interested in performing leadership. You’re here to practice it.
You booked a call, joined an event, or signed up because something in you said, it’s time to lead differently. You’re ready to create a life and business rooted in who you are—not in outdated rules or titles that never fit. And we’re here to help you do exactly that—with emotional intelligence at the center.
