What's Different This Time?

Before you rescue again, compare last time with now.

A new crisis can make the past feel far away. This short Check puts the previous rescue beside today's request so you can see what has actually changed.

Start the Free CheckAbout 5 minutes
Last timeStep 1 of 4

Step 1

Start with the last major rescue.

Choose the most recent time your family made a meaningful sacrifice to solve or soften a crisis.

What did you or the family provide?

Step 2

Now look at today's request.

Step 3

Separate what is being said from what you can see.

What is true right now?
Can you point to actions, not only promises, that are different?
Did meaningful changes begin before this current crisis or request?
Have those changes continued long enough for you to observe a pattern?
Are they carrying a meaningful share of the effort, cost, or consequences themselves?
Is the current request substantially different from a rescue your family has already tried?

Step 4

Set a standard before you decide.

You do not have to decide while the crisis is deciding for you.

Finish the comparison first. Then decide what you are willing to provide, tolerate, risk, or stop doing.