How often do you feel overwhelmed by the constant pressure to make a quick decision? When was the last time you rushed into hasty action simply because you felt the need to do something immediately? What I’ve learned in my career is that time can be our greatest ally if we learn to use it to our advantage.
In business as well as in life we often find ourselves feeling pressured to make decisions immediately and jump into action. However, the reality is that there are very few life-death situations that need an immediate reaction; in fact, most decisions turn out to be better if made with careful consideration, in discussion with others, and after time for reflection.
For example, imagine you’re faced with a crisis at work. The instinctive reaction for many of us is to spring into action and resolve the situation at any cost. Yet, more often than not, this bears the risk to make an already difficult situation worse and dig you even deeper into trouble. Resisting this impulse, stepping back, gathering information, and thoroughly contemplating the situation usually leads to more effective decisions in the long run.
Similarly, in personal situations, such as navigating a difficult relationship or career decision, taking your time to weigh options typically leads to better outcomes. After a good night’s sleep, you’ll often find yourself approaching the situation with a fresh perspective. And what initially feels like a dire scenario in the heat of the moment often loses much of its daunting threat after a few days or weeks. Sometimes, simply allowing time to pass can lead to problem resolution without immediate intervention.
By making time your ally rather than your enemy, you not only reduce stress and improve decision-making, but you also achieve better results. So the next time you feel the urge to dive headfirst into action, remember to take a deep breath and grant yourself the gift of time: you might be surprised by the positive impact it can have!
