About this quote

A single shouted word can lay bare whatever just hit you. That quick, raw reaction points to a moment of surprise, shock, or sudden worry, and it tells you exactly where your attention needs to go. Name the trigger and the feeling, then decide what action follows. A breath and a clear choice will stop the reflex from steering the rest of the situation.

When to use it

• At a project meeting, when the budget slide jumps to a much higher number, you blurt, 'Jesus!' and then ask, 'How are we supposed to cover that?'
• When your kid bolts toward the road and you grab them, you shout, 'Jesus!' before checking they're okay.
• Sitting an exam, you flip a page and see a question you didn't study for and mutter, 'Jesus!' as you hunt through your notes.
• On a steep trail when the hill suddenly goes vertical, you hiss, 'Jesus!' and slow to a steady walk.