E + R = O

Spend a few days around a group of coaches, and sooner or later you will hear the philosophical equation “E+R=O”.  A buzz term circulating over the years, it represents “Event + Response = Outcome”.

This really is true, when you think about it.  We all experience a multitude of events in our lives.  Some good; some bad.  We respond to them in one fashion or another, whether we want to or not, and whether we consciously think through our response or not, and the outcome is directly influenced by the way we respond.  No pressure there!

Knowing this, one would think that we should actively contemplate HOW to respond WHEN events happen…not IF.  Events are going to happen.  A Navy Seal I like to listen to explains that life is going to slam you with at least one, and probably a few, bad events in your time.  You need to prepare for it.  Why be surprised and taken off guard by bad news, tragic event, challenging situation, or disappointing diagnosis?  Why not be prepared to respond appropriately?

That is the basis of the E+R=O mentality.  Be prepared to handle and respond to whatever life throws at you.  Does that mean it doesn’t still sting or knock the wind out of us?  No, it still has the impact, but we are more prepared to endure and withstand the blow.  Our response can be much quicker and more effective because we anticipated and prepared for the moment.

In coaching we continually plan for difficulty and problems.  That’s why we practice press breakers and defensive rotations.  We have to solve problems before the problems arise.  We prepare.  We know teams and players are going to present difficult problems.  When the problem raises its ugly head, we revert to our preparation and respond accordingly with a practiced PLAN, instead of shock and confusion and no idea what to do.

Life is really no different.  We can’t (or shouldn’t) live with our heads in the sand, thinking that nothing bad or challenging will ever happen to us or our family.  Odds are, it will.  Instead, we should prepare for difficult days with a PLAN of how we might respond.  Then when that day comes, it will be much easier and more effective to respond correctly to impact the outcome of your response.

Like Ferris Bueller said, “Life comes at you pretty fast.”  It’s not if, but when.  Having a plan to respond before the event can make all the difference in the world as to how the outcome will look.

E+R=O.  It’s not magic, but it can do magical things in our lives.  Instead of letting circumstances and setbacks knock us to the ground in shock, we can learn to absorb the blow and steady ourselves to punch right back.  When we learn to respond better to events and improve our outcomes, our successful outcomes begin to dictate future responses to events, and perhaps, even lessen the impact of them.  

You got this!  E+R=O.  IYKYK.