Day 37: Outdated Responses
isra.a.writes • 3 Jul 2025 •
People say that your first reaction is the most honest, but I disagree. Your first reaction is usually outdated. Either it’s an answer you came up with long ago and now use instead of thinking, or it’s a knee-jerk emotional response to something in your past. —Derek Sivers
How often in conversation do you replay answers you think are true, when likely they ceased to represent you authentically two seasons ago?
You can update your answers. More importantly, you can update your identity.
The quote stood out to me because I realised how often I pull out pre-saved opinions out of convenience. It feels lazy to treat conversations as outlets for recycling an outdated self-image.
People avoid small talk because it only allows them a limited opportunity to express themselves. You resort to old answers to hasten a filler exchange, only to overthink your bland personality later on.
Small talk may be boring, but it’s an opportunity to present a new self. New answers. New opinions.
That’s one way to show up for your updated self.
Interesting quote! And it’s funny how the outdated reaction is the one with the most emotional pull. I guess it’s because we’ve developed a strong attachment to it and dependency on it.