Don't Just Do Something. Stand There!Articles
We’re all familiar with the phrase “Don’t just stand there—do something!” But what if I told you that sometimes the best course of action is to flip that advice right on its head? Yes, I’m advocating for a revolutionary new mantra: “Don’t just do something. Stand there!”
Imagine this: you’re facing a crisis, and your mind is conjuring up ideas so quickly it’s almost impossible to latch on to and make sense of just one! You feel the pressure to decide, to do something—anything! But what would happen if you just take a moment to simply keep quiet and let your mind be still. Let the thoughts and solution zing around, but without you feeling any pressure to latch on to any of them? Staying still can be an act of internal rebellion against the chaos of constant motion and action. It’s like being a Zen master in a rushed, pressured and directionless environment.
When you pause, you give the information processor in your brain a chance to catch up with your thoughts. It’s like letting your computer update before you start downloading more information. You might just find that brilliant idea hiding behind all the clutter!
Standing still can feel like a mini-vacation. It’s a chance to breathe, recharge, and maybe even contemplate the meaning of life—or at least why and when you need to make that decision.
Standing still allows you to notice things you might otherwise overlook. Is that coworker wearing mismatched socks? Is the coffee pot empty? These details may seem trivial, but they can spark joy—or at least a good chuckle to relieve tension.
Believe it or not, there’s actual science supporting the idea of standing still! Studies show that taking breaks and allowing your mind to wander can enhance creativity and problem-solving skills. So next time you’re faced with a dilemma, stay still and let your thoughts wander through all the corridors of your mind, instead of frantically Googling solutions.
Is this a skill? You bet, but it’s an easy one to learn. Start small by taking a minute each day to simply stay still and breathe. Focus on your surroundings—what do you hear? Smell? Feel? You might be surprised by what you discover.
Don’t be afraid to be silent during conversations or meetings. Sure, it might feel uncomfortable at first, but it could lead to deeper discussions or even hilarious moments when someone tries to fill the void.
So next time life has you racing around like a headless chicken, remember, sometimes the best thing you can do is to do nothing at all. Embrace the art of staying still and watch as clarity, creativity, and maybe even a little humour come your way. After all, in a world that often demands action, standing there might just be the most revolutionary thing you can do!
By Mark Deavall with the assistance of Perplexity
27 October2024
If you would like to talk to me, please call me on +2782 465 5481 or email me on markd@markdeavall.com
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