Are you familiar with the S.T.O.P. practice? It’s a method that helps with making better
decisions, collecting our thoughts, and for maintaining strong relationships. It stands for:

STOP
THINK
ORGANIZE
PROCEED

When used, we become less reactive and it provides us with the time to assess our feelings, process what we’re hearing, and stay actively engaged.

Professor of Law, Rhonda Magee, provides a 4-minute video that provides guidance for mastering the STOP concept. (She is also trained in sociology and Mindfulness-Based  Stress Reduction ).

“S” is about stopping and providing yourself with a brief time to rest and collect yourself. 

“T” is a reminder to take the time to pause and take a deep breath.

“O” is for observing your feelings, thoughts, emotions, and even body sensations. Just taking a few moments to relax and reflect is calming and will help with taking appropriate next steps.

“P” is a reminder to proceed with intention.

When this practice is followed, we begin to think more clearly, become less reactive, and don’t jump to conclusions, especially when feeling over-whelmed.

We learn to pause, apply critical thinking skills, and objectively organize our thoughts and desired outcome, as well as communicating clearly and calmly.

As leaders, it’s a great tool to remind us to slow down and take the time for us to process situations and feelings before we respond.

See if it works for you!