As the saying goes, ‘good things come to those who wait’, but in this increasingly fast-paced world, waiting can often seem like too much to ask. We’re all encouraged to act quickly – to think fast and move faster. This can strike a chord with those of us with an impatience streak, to the point where we’ll rush through tasks, gloss over details and miss out on potential opportunities. So, when it comes to making decisions, it’s time to start echoing the old adage: ‘wait a second’.
Taking a moment to pause and think things through can make all the difference. When we take a step back, we see the bigger picture and can identify the wider implications of our decisions. This moment of stillness, even if it’s only for a few seconds, can help us to cut through, and discard, the unnecessary information and outside noise that can cloud our judgement, and instead allow our brains to reach a much clearer, more effective conclusion.
It’s worth remembering that not all decisions require instant action. If presented with a particularly important or complex dilemma, try to find ways to buy yourself a little extra thinking time. Often, if the decision is of no immediate consequence, a quick sleep on it can be all it takes to arrive at a more balanced and considered outcome. What’s more, asking someone with more experience or knowledge for their input is often a great choice. Seeking out advice can provide much-needed perspective, allowing us to work towards a more well-rounded and beneficial decision.
So next time you’re faced with a challenge and instinctively want to go charging in, take a breath, and trust that a few seconds of stillness or some secondhand counsel could make all the difference. It can be tempting to try and direct our decision-making from palm to post, but with a little thought and reflection, you can evaluate opportunities and make informed, informed choices. Our futures can benefit when we apply the simple formula of ‘wait a second’.
