Before You Act… You Must Stop To

Act 166:

“It’s never too late… To Think

So often we don’t. We act, then think. Take the time. Avoid distractions. Concentrate. Wash problems through your mind. Consider consequences. Project ahead. Do some homework.” – Patrick Lindsay

Quote in book: “Thinking is seeing.” ~ Honore de Balzac

A lot of times we don’t stop to think about what we are going to say or what we are going to do. Even as an introvert, who is supposed to do that, I have a hard time with this. In general, I think before I speak, but not always and it gets me in trouble.

Sometimes, I’m trying to make a joke and it isn’t well received. I think I get caught off guard and then I say something stupid. I suppose we all say stupid things and that I shouldn’t make a big deal about it. I think it bothers me when I’m trying to make a joke and then I end up hurting someone’s feelings. I always apologize, but the damage is already done.

Once you’ve hurt someone w/ your words or actions, it’s too late to take it back. There are no rubber band hands when it comes to your words or actions. Most of the time you do not get do overs. So it’s best to think before we speak/act.

I know that’s easier said than done. We all operate in a world where speaking slowly and being “slow” is looked down upon and you are labeled as stupid. Look at all of the people from the south. People assume they are stupid because they speak slowly. It’s not true. Maybe it’s smart to think before speaking. It gets you into less trouble.

In general thinking is helpful in all situations. For me, I have to sit and think to solve problems or come up with good ideas. I think I’ve mentioned it before, but I come up with my best ideas in the shower. At work they joke that we need to build a shower in the facility we work in, so I can come up with the ideas while at work! Haha.

I’m not the type of person to just sit and “think” about things like a philosopher. But I do believe that thinking before acting or speaking is always the best approach, so I’m gonna try a lot better to do that. At work. At home. In my personal and professional life. not the type of person to just sit and “think” about things like a philosopher. I’ll sacrifice the speed of my answer and risk being thought of as stupid instead of feeling stupid after saying something thoughtless.