Many of us repeat reactive patterns, especially when things go wrong. So the question becomes how can we stop launching into this automatic pilot? The longer I practice mindfulness, the more I understand how beneficial it is to learn to hold our seat and to watch the thinking mind (with a little formal meditation practice each day). 

As we practice staying in the moment, we might discover in our daily lives the experience of a "pause" surrounding what may be a triggering event. In this pause we have a choice: react or respond. It's a "practice" not a "perfect", and it takes time, so hold yourself with non-judgment as you re-wire the reactive pattern. 

Working with the Reactive Automatic Pilot