Event plus Response equals Outcome. This is Robert Resnick's formula Jack Canfield talks about in his book The Success Principles

It took me a couple of days to get around this principle. Then, after a long week of being at home, working on the computer, house chores and looking after my one year old baby, I asked my husband if he could watch our son for an hour while I went to do a bit of window shopping at the local mall. He responded very negatively and this is when I truly saw the power of this formula.

My husband was also very tired of a long week of work and taking care of our baby in the evenings while I got work done. But when he expressed his frustration at my request, my first instant reaction was one of anger and conflict. Then the letters popped into my mind E + R = O.

Ok, I thought to myself, I need some time out. Just one hour will do. It is not an unreasonable thing to want to do. I took a deep breath. 

In the past we would have had an enormous argument and we would have been left angry and frustrated for the rest of the day. Instead I walked to him, looked into his eyes with and calmly and in a friendly voice I said, “I don’t think it’s an unreasonable request, I have been cooked up in the house for a week and need a little time out darling.”

Disarmed and able to think, he looked back at me and asked, “how long for?”

“Just an hour. Plus, if you need me to come back sooner I will have my cellphone. I will be five minutes away at the local mall and can get back in no time at all.”

“I guess an hour is ok. You can take a bit longer if you like, if I need you I’ll call.”

And that was it. I grabbed my purse, kissed my boys and off I went for some well earned Mommy Time Out.

I have since used this principle a number of times in different situation where the event was not to my liking and was able to have an outcome I did like.

“E+R = O” was not invented by Jack. If you would like to learn how to use it and also learn the history behind it, read Jack’s book. This principle is one of 64 that he outlines and one that can be applied easily in every aspect of your life.

(c) Inelia Benz www.inelia.com 

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