# How to Train Yourself to Pause Before You React - John Norlin

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-characterstrong-podcast-458738/how-to-train-yourself-to-pause-before-you-react-john-norlin
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-characterstrong-podcast-458738/how-to-train-yourself-to-pause-before-you-react-john-norlin.md
Podcast: [The CharacterStrong Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-characterstrong-podcast-458738)
Published: 2026-04-17T07:01:00+00:00
Episode link: https://characterstrong.com
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/characterstrong/S8._Ep37_-_John_Solo_mixdown.mp3?dest-id=1088075
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-characterstrong-podcast-458738/episodes/how-to-train-yourself-to-pause-before-you-react-john-norlin
Duration seconds: 248

## Resource

Today, host John Norlin shares a strategy called the Tactical Pause, a simple, trainable habit of pausing before responding in high-emotion situations so that reactions come from intention rather than regret. John walks through what it looks like in practice and why building this habit in low-stakes moments is what makes it available when it matters most. In this episode, John offers important reminders for educators and leaders: Responding from emotion in the moment is easy, the Tactical Pause is a trainable habit that creates space between a situation and your response. Practicing the pause in low-emotion situations is what makes it accessible when things get hard and the stakes are high. Simple cues like walking through a doorway can serve as a daily reminder to set an intention before entering a space or interaction. Responding with skill and empathy instead of emotion isn't one more thing on the plate, it is the actual plate. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

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## Transcript

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