Another one of those principles for life: Hold on. Or, just wait a minute. (I’m thinking of making this a series. Yes, no?)
So often we rush to get after things but in doing so make slop of the whole situation. We respond hastily, run out the door without our wallet or keys, hurry through a set of squats that could have been more properly executed if only we’d taken another minute (or two) of rest.
The principle of Hold On. Or, Just Wait a Minute is especially useful when receiving criticism. We all of us hate being told what to do, or that we could be doing better in some way. We want to defend ourselves, or accuse that person of not being a very good friend, when they say such rotten, disgusting things. But what they say may very well be accurate, and so we have to consider this. And the best way to consider this is to Hold On. Or, Just Wait a Minute.
My advice: Whenever somebody offers advice, whether you feel that advice to be valid or not, wait a day before responding. If, after a day, you feel the advice is valid, you’ll then be able to respond productively and courteously. If, after a day, you feel the advice is invalid, you’ll still be able to respond productively and courteously.
– Pat