Apply the 95% Rule to stop the chaos

Do you get caught in a downward spiral, each day bringing fresh challenges that overwhelm?

It could be at work, dealing with difficult colleagues, or at home, where conflicts with family members can escalate.

I want to share something truly transformative: the 95% Rule.

By adopting this 95% Rule, I have transformed my approach to handling dilemmas at home or work.

During a particularly challenging committee meeting, I voiced my frustrations to a co-worker.

People with different personalities were expressing their contrasting viewpoints and I felt blocked and frustrated until my co-worker calmly said: “Ara, you need to apply the 95% Rule.”

She explained: “It’s a straightforward guideline that 95% of your troubles stem from your choices and reactions.”

Simple, yet profound.

In that moment, I took the 95% Rule on board and reflected on how my past behaviours had contributed to negative or frustrating experiences.

I accepted my co-worker’s further comment that accepting the 95% Rule can liberate you by inspiring one to seek more creative solutions to challenges.

It was, as they say, a lightbulb moment.

I realised that by reacting impulsively rather than taking a breath and thoughtfully assessing the situation, I often had exacerbated issues and escalated tensions.

There’s some fascinating brain science that underpins the 95% Rule,

When we encounter stressful situations, our brains often trigger a primitive fight-or-flight reflex. This causes blood to flow away from our brains and toward larger muscle groups, providing us with adrenalin necessary for quick reactions.

This also means our vision narrows, focusing on perceived threats, while our breath quickens as we comply with an instinctive effort to protect ourselves.

When in this heightened state of stress, you’re not in a good place to devise creative solutions. Your mind is overwhelmed, and you can miss seeing the bigger picture even if it’s right in front of you.

Additionally, your intensified emotions can be contagious, influencing those around you and amplifying their own feelings of anxiety or frustration.

But my applying the 95% Rule, you regain control of your emotions and reset your perspective. This enables you to tackle the issues without getting trapped in a negative spiral.

At that meeting, having applied the 95% Rule, I felt calm wash over me. This enabled me to shift my mindset, think outside the box and tackle the problems positively and constructively. Taking this step back enabled me to de-escalate the situation and work alongside all the co-workers at the meeting to navigate our challenges.

It’s something I apply in all areas of my life, when in a place of conflict, uncertainty or frustration.

By applying the 95% Rule, I empower myself to take a step back and look at root causes. It could be a misunderstanding or lack of communication.

This helps me to calm down and transition into problem-solving mode, rather than taking a stance of blaming others. I become more inclined to welcome collaboration to find solutions and seize new opportunities. Situations tend to improve significantly after implementing this mindset shift.

So the next time you feel yourself spiralling out of control or becoming overwhelmed by negativity, remember the 95% Rule. It could be the key to regaining control and finding peace amid chaos.

Go Well, Stay Well and Be Well

#stopchaos #communication #healing #calm #peace #harmony #workplace #home #family #love #JourneyofHealing #Jahavel

The 95% Rule was a lightbulb moment for Jahavel Founder Ara 'Julga' Harathunian. Read his blog.