Default Mode
I was fortunate to have been invited to a members only type of resort. I had been forewarned that wifi is not available in the villas.
True enough, the signal was weak inside the villa and I had to get out if I needed to make a call.
I was content on watching TV inside the villa. I realized that I hit the pause button of the remote when I stood up to get something. I laughed because it is already my default mode.
I had gotten into binging on kdramas and cdramas and I prefer watching them in their original language with English subtitles from the various streaming platforms. I always have to hit the “pause” button when I have to take my eyes of the screen because I don’t want to miss a scene.
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My default behavior or auto response in this situation has been conditioned because of my screen time habit.
I guess this is okay because my default behavior did not affect anyone but myself.
This is a bit tricky when it comes to interacting with people.
In my previous life at work, I have cut people who are speaking because I had been impatient or I’m old and I was afraid I would forget what I wanted to say. Because I had been one of the more senior people or I had a title, very few teammates would challenge me or call my attention. Lately though, I have developed more awareness. In the hybrid work environment, I would occasionally pause and say “You go ahead” or “I am sorry…I interrupted you while you were speaking.” I still have to work on raising my virtual hand when I want to speak. Please forgive this Gen X.
These are the situations when I have to pause and listen to the people who are speaking.
Developing self awareness is a constant journey. If and when I can finally master it, then I can certainly auto correct my “harmful” default mode and become a better version of myself.
