(From the Greg and Tim show Episode 18 Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwk-hSzRc4s)
Today, I want to dive into a concept that really hit home for me during one of our recent episodes: the difference between being a thermometer and a thermostat in social settings. It’s something we’ve talked about on the show, and it’s got me thinking a lot about how we all navigate our social environments.
So, let’s break it down.
Thermometer vs. Thermostat: What’s the Difference?
Imagine walking into a room full of people. Some folks naturally adapt to the atmosphere—they absorb the mood, the energy, the vibe around them, and reflect it back. These people are like thermometers. They’re reactive, adjusting to whatever temperature is already present. If the room is buzzing with excitement, they’ll catch that buzz. If the room is tense, they’ll start to feel the tension too. Thermometers are great at reading the room, but they’re not necessarily in control of the temperature.
On the flip side, you’ve got thermostats. These are the people who don’t just read the room—they set the temperature. They decide how they want to feel, what kind of energy they want to bring, and then they project that into their surroundings. Whether they walk into a tense room or a joyful one, they maintain their chosen mood and can even influence others around them to match their energy. Being a thermostat is about being proactive rather than reactive.
Why It Matters
The reason this metaphor resonates with me is because it’s a powerful reminder that we have a choice in how we approach social situations. For most of my life, I’ve been a mix of both—sometimes I’m the thermostat, setting the mood and driving the energy. Other times, I find myself as the thermometer, picking up on the vibe of others and adjusting accordingly.
But here’s the kicker: the more I think about it, the more I realize that being a thermostat, even just a little more often, can make a huge difference. It’s about taking control of your own mood and, by extension, your own experience in any given situation. It’s not just about being the life of the party or taking charge; it’s about deciding how you want to feel and not letting external factors dictate that for you.
How I See Myself
Tim and I had an interesting discussion about where we fall on this spectrum. If I’m being honest, I’m probably around 70% thermostat and 30% thermometer. I’d like to think I’m setting the temperature in my life most of the time, but I know there are moments when I let the environment shape how I feel. That’s something I’m consciously working on—aiming to be more of a thermostat, especially in situations where it’s easy to just go with the flow.
For instance, take a New Year’s Eve party. You could walk in feeling tired and just go through the motions, letting the energy of the room (or lack thereof) dictate your mood. Or, you could decide beforehand that you're going to enjoy yourself, no matter what. When you make that choice to set the temperature, it not only improves your own experience but often has a ripple effect on those around you.
Striking the Balance
Of course, it’s not about being one way all the time. There are definitely moments when it’s okay to be a thermometer, to adapt and go with the flow. Sometimes, you need to read the room and respond accordingly, especially in unfamiliar or delicate situations. But I’ve found that the more I practice being a thermostat—setting my own mood, bringing my own energy—the more positive my experiences become.
So, here’s my challenge to you: the next time you’re heading into a social situation, whether it’s a big event or just a casual get-together, think about how you want to approach it. Will you be a thermometer, reacting to the environment? Or will you be a thermostat, setting the tone and influencing the energy around you?
Give it a try and see how it feels. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.
Thanks for reading, and as always, keep tuning into The Greg and Tim Show for more insights, laughs, and maybe even a little bit of inspiration.
Stay cool (or warm, depending on your thermostat setting!),
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