Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning

 There’s a powerful concept I want to share with you today, and it comes from one of the most life-changing books I’ve ever read:
Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning.

In the book, Frankl writes:

“Between stimulus and response there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

That space?
It’s everything.

And here’s the fun part: I was recently a guest on a podcast, and the host said something I’ll never forget. He said,
“Whenever something triggers me, I remind myself to ‘Frankl That.’”

Yes. Exactly that.
Frankl That.
Pause. Breathe. Step into that space between what just happened and how you choose to respond.

Here’s Why It Matters for You:

You’re continuously being triggered—by individuals, circumstances, stress, expectations, and even the voice inside your head. 

But here’s what’s empowering:
You get to choose what happens next.

When something sets you off—Frankl That.
Pause. Breathe. Reclaim the space between stimulus and response.

In that space, you’ll find:

• Your power
• Your peace
• Your path forward

Here’s Where You Might Be Getting It Wrong:

• Reacting before you even realize what’s happening
• Saying or doing something from a triggered place that you later regret
• Believing “They made me feel this way” instead of recognizing your own power to choose

You don’t have to be ruled by the trigger. You get to respond with intention.

If You Don’t Use That Space, You Risk:

• Repeating the same emotional patterns over and over
• Creating unnecessary conflict or tension
• Losing your sense of control, calm, or clarity

Frankl’s insight isn’t about suppressing emotions. It’s about choosing growth, not reaction.

Here’s What You Can Do Instead…

Catch the moment.
That pause—the blink, the breath, the heartbeat before the reaction?
That’s your turning point.

Here are 5 ways you can “Frankl That” in real life:

5 Ways to Practice the Frankl Pause

Way #1: Label the Trigger, Don’t Become It

Instead of “I’m angry,” try “I’m noticing anger.”
This gives you space to observe without attaching to the emotion.

Way #2: Let Your Breath Lead

Inhale slowly before you speak, decide, or respond.
One breath can be the difference between reaction and wisdom.

Way #3: Ask, “What Do I Want to Create Right Now?”

Let your response reflect your desired outcome—not just your initial emotion.

Way #4: Respond From Your Higher Self

What would the most grounded, calm, wise version of you do in this moment?
Let that part take the lead.

Way #5: Reflect with Kindness

If you reacted before you could respond—no judgment.
Learn, reset, and next time... Frankl that.

Here’s an Easy Step You Can Take Today:

Think of a moment when you tend to react quickly—maybe with a partner, child, colleague, or even yourself.

The next time it happens—pause.
Breathe.
Frankl That.

That space is your power. And it’s always available.

P.S.

I love how one simple phrase from a podcast conversation—“Frankl That”—has become a whole mindset.

Because you can’t always control the trigger, but you can always influence the response.

Let’s create room for more peace, growth, and freedom together.