Is this a 1 or a 10?

One of my worst weaknesses is overreacting. Even yesterday, I was late for an event that it ultimately didn't matter when I arrived, yet I stressed so much that it honestly put me in a tailspin for hours. 

That's why it's great to do a little gut check when you find yourself getting stressed or upset. Ask yourself: on a scale of 1 to 10, what is this? For example, my lateness yesterday was really a 3, yet I was treating it as a 9. This numerical check helps me realize that I should chill out. 

Ratings can also be useful in your relationships. Me leaving underwear on the ground might annoy Joe at a 3, while him doing the same is a 7 for me. Ratings can quickly help us understand how important things are to each other and adjust. 

So, this week, when you are getting upset. Ask yourself, how big of a deal is this situation? What level is my reaction? Do these match? 

Let's help ourselves put things in perspective.