There is a time to make a decision and there is a time not to. Knowing the difference between the two can save us from making decisions that we will regret.
We often allow our emotions to make our decisions for us. The thing about emotions however, is that most of the time they are temporary. Over time and with the help of effective communication, our anger and hurt often subsides.
It is then and only then, that we can see clearly. Emotions cloud our judgment. They cause us to see the here and now, but prevent us from seeing tomorrow. Many of the mistakes in our life are because of the rash decisions we make.
Instead of considering the future impact or consequences of a decision, we take the easy way out or do what feels good at the moment. The problem is, is that the easy way out may not be the right way. What feels good at the moment will likely not feel so good tomorrow.
As a result, our rash decision becomes a mistake and oftentimes is a choice that we later regret. When situations occur and we don’t know what to do, that is when we should do nothing. It is during those times that we should wait.
Most importantly, we should be open to communication. Effective communication is key when it comes to decision making. Without it a good decision can rarely be made, but with it we can be satisfied knowing that we are making the most appropriate decision for the issue at hand.
Some decisions are minor, but others follow us for the rest of our lives. Therefore, none of the decisions we make should be made hastily. When we don’t know all the answers or we find ourselves confused trying to make sense of things, then that is not the time to make a decision.
When we don’t know what to do, we should do nothing. Waiting usually won’t hurt, whereas making a rash decision may impact our life and the lives of those around us for years, if not for the rest of our life.
“Typing my heart out” for Nano Poblano/NaBloPoMo.
Me - Who am I? 
What a fantastic read. I totally agree… do nothing. Take your time.
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Thank you, Brandy. 🙂 Time is so very important when important matters are at hand.
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As an overly emotional person, I feel “doing nothing” could benefit me greatly. Before reading this, I don’t think I ever considered how many of the decisions I make are fueled by my emotions. I think for the next week I’ll jot down a little note each time I notice my emotions making my decisions for me. I’m sure it will be an eye opener!
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When I first realized this, it was an eye opener for me too. Learning to stop and wait before making a decision has prevented me from making many choices that I know I would have regretted. It’s hard sometime though, but with self control it can be done. Our emotions are powerful, sometimes working for us and sometimes against us. I’d be interested in what you discover with your notes.
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Love this. It is still something I have to practice, but I am getting better at it. I often remind myself to “sleep on it” if the urge to act in the moment comes upon me…if it is still important in the morning then I can decide what to do!
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Thank you, Cara. That sounds like a great policy to have. Sleeping on it can give us a whole new perspective by morning.
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I love this and I have been guilty of letting my emotions get the better of me – in spite of lecturing myself repeatedly to stop and calm down. Also, the timing of your post was absolutely perfect! Need to make a phone call..
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Emotions hold great power, if we let them. I’m glad that this post was right on time and I hope that the phone call had the outcome that you were looking for.
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Contemplation is a good thing, as you say, mewhoami. Good point, my friend.
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It certainly is. Thank you, Mark.
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“When we don’t know what to do, we should do nothing.” Great wisdom! I am trying this at the moment in making a important decision. Thank you for the confirmation. Best, Catie
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It can be hard to do at times, but necessary if we want to make the right decisions. It’s certainly a learning process. I’m glad that you received the confirmation you needed and I wish you the best in making your decision. Thanks, Cate.
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It’s taken me a VERY long time to learn this. I tend to react quickly, out of my emotions. And you are spot on correct here. It does not always serve me (or those around me) well. This needs shared ’round the world MeWhoAmI.
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It does take a long time to learn and sometimes we have to learn the hard way. It’s great that you’re working on it though. I think that it’s a constant process, as we’ll always have those emotions pulling on us to make decisions in the heat of the moment.
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I’ve learned that sometimes, when I wait, things work out better than when I’ve meddled.
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Joanna, that is very true. Meddling can cause more harm than good.
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I so agree. It is better to sleep on it, or wait a day. So true with emails, save in draft don’t hit send- tomorrow you may feel differently and you can’t take back what has been sent!
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You’re right about the emails. Not only are those remembered, but can also be saved forever.
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