Spot the Signs That Mess with You
Josselyne Herman-Saccio
Thought Partner • Vision Architect : I Help Executives and Entrepreneurs BE UNMESSABLEWITH no matter what life throws at them and live their dreams NOW not someday.
Have you ever had a day where everything feels off, but you can’t quite put your finger on why? Maybe you snap at someone unexpectedly, procrastinate on something important, or feel anxious for no apparent reason. These moments often occur because we’ve been triggered into a reactive state—what I call being “messablewith.”
The good news? You can recognize the signs that you’re being thrown off track and shift back into a creative mindset.
What Are Your Red Flags?
When life throws challenges our way, our brains often respond with an automatic fight-or-flight reaction. These reactive moments don’t just show up in our thoughts—they also manifest physically. Your body gives you signals, or what I call red flags, to let you know you’ve left the world of creation and entered the world of reaction.
These red flags might look like:
Tightness in your chest.
A flushed face.
Tension in your shoulders or jaw.
A pit in your stomach.
The problem is, most of us are so used to these sensations that we ignore them—or worse, power through them without pausing to reassess.
How to Use Red Flags as a Tool for Change
Your red flags aren’t something to fear. In fact, they’re incredibly useful. They’re like stop signs, letting you know that something is pulling you away from your vision and into reaction mode.
Here’s how to use them:
Identify Your Red Flags The next time you feel stressed, overwhelmed, or reactive, pause and notice what’s happening in your body. Are your shoulders tense? Is your breathing shallow? Take note of these sensations—they’re your red flags.
Interrupt the Pattern Once you recognize a red flag, do something physical to interrupt the reactive cycle. This might be a deep breath, shaking out your hands, or even standing up and stretching. The goal is to reset your nervous system and bring yourself back to the present moment.
Refocus on Your Vision Now that you’ve interrupted the reactive pattern, ask yourself: What am I creating right now? This simple question shifts your focus from reaction to creation, grounding you in your purpose.
Try This Today
Spend a few minutes reflecting on your own red flags. What physical sensations do you notice when you’re stressed or reactive? Write them down, and the next time they arise, use them as a signal to pause, reset, and realign with your vision.