"S.T.O.P." - Brown University - Best piece of advice you've ever been given?

What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given, and why?
"STOP - S -Say stop to yourself, T- Take a deep breath, O- Orient yourself,
P- Press your pause button (your forehead!)"

This piece of advice works for me all the time. I actually got this advice from a Student Life Consultant at a Leadership Camp. It can transform the short-tempered into patient and kind beings. I have escaped numerous elongated and aggravating lectures from my parents. But one has to know how to use this advice in order to achieve its highest potential. ?

This advice is best put to use in difficult situations. It shortens the length of the problem and changes the direction of the problem into my favor. At this tender age, we, teenagers think less from our brains and more from our hearts. This is because of our low tolerance level. We take pleasure in wasting time brooding about any past quandaries we may have gone through. This advice can save the punishment and reprimand which we are 'awarded' with after arguing with our parents, teachers or any other elders.

While using this advice one has to act AND play smart! Before speaking impulsively, STOP yourself and think. Think about where you are and who you are talking to. Finally, prepare what you are going to say and make sure you have rehearsed it twice in your head. Not only that, prepare the response to the next statement you think you are going to hear. And finally stay calm.

I have used this several times! I use it for all types of incidents - serious or minor, works everywhere. When I was younger, whenever I was scolded, I would burst into tears. I had no emotional stability, except for controlling my temper.

At camp, I misplaced the charger of my camera. It is natural for a human to lose things. I, for one, am extremely careful about my belongings. But honestly, living in an apartment with seven other girls and keeping track of all your clothes, accessories and luggage isn't easy. When I gave my mother the news she went berserk. I did not lose it deliberately and a camera charger is one thing I wouldn't want to lose for all the pictures I have to upload on Facebook. She was yelling at me. She said I was careless and irresponsible as she rambled incessantly. The anger was building up inside me but then I used my pause button and thought of an excuse in the meanwhile. I knew that if I would answer back to her or respond rudely then my weekend was going to get ruined. I organized my thoughts - first apologize, explain how it happened calmly and assure her that I will never make this mistake again. I got her a glass of water and drank myself to cool both of us down. I apologized and assured her I would be extra careful next time. She agreed reluctantly but she forgot about grounding me.

I say "STOP" and then, "PRESTO"- everything works out magically!

"S-STOP - -Say stop to yourself, T- Take a deep breath, O- Orient yourself,
P- Press your pause button (your forehead!) "

I was confused by the format at first, but I get it. Put the S in front.

This piece of advice works for me all the time. It can transform the short-tempered and arrogant into patient and kind beings.
This has helped me immeasurably; I have escaped numerous elongated and aggravating lectures from my parents. But only because I know how to use this advice in order to achieve its highest potential.

I feel that there are a lot of extra words you can take out. I like the content, because I often have to same issue (not being able to "pause" at times). I guess the flow could use some work.

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The first ending works better, but you have to transition to your ending more smoothly. I actually got this advice from a Student Life Consultant at a Leadership Camp. - that line comes out of the blue.

The second conclusion seemed like "I say "STOP" and then, "PRESTO"- everything works out magically".

I hope this helps you out Zahra. Best of Luck!

Thanks Samuel! :)

"It is useful to those that are short-tempered and arrogant."
Arrogant is a very strong adjective. Its risky boss! Either delete it or come up with something less strong.


his highest potential


avoid such heavy words. Adcom may think that you took a lot of help from thesaurus.

And I din't quite get the full form of STOP itself!

since english's not my mother tongue i think i can only tell the general idea.

i like your theme. STOP is always good for everyone.

well, about the first experience, maybe you should describe more about what was in your mind, what did you do and how did you control your raging temper and calmed yourself down instead of telling us that your mom blamed you.

and about the second experience, i don't think it's a very good one because all kids get angry and upset if others tease them. if i were you i would get angry too. and it is normal that as we grow up, we learn to control ourselves.

so i prefer the first version. good luck. :D

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate it. If you can have a look on my final draft please do so. Will read yours too :)

I say "STOP" and then, "RESTOP "- everything works out magically!
interesting ending.

and i have a question-exactly, how did this STOP change you?
what's the benefit for you. i mean you did learn how to control yourself but why being good at controlling yourself is good? you should tell. it's not only about calming down when you get angry, it can also help you when you get confused and puzzled and meet problems in your life.

how did this piece of advice really help you, in what way. what did you benefit from it.

but that's just me.

At this tender age, we te enagers think less with our brains and more with our hearts.

This advice can save us from the punishment and reprimand which we are 'awarded' with after arguing with our parents, teachers or any other elders.

Finally, prepare what you are going to say and make sure you have rehearsed it twice in your head.Great advice!!