Change is inevitable. Some of us are proponents of change; pride ourselves on being decisive, able to make quick decisions based on the information at hand. Usually this works well for us. No time wasted on the pros and cons, agonizing over seemingly semantical details – we puzzle over those overly rational people who spend what we consider to be far too much time on everyday decisions.
And then, suddenly, a situation (or in some cases, situations) arises where you find yourself stuck in no-man’s land. Maybe the decision’s been made and you’re ready to move on but circumstances require strategic waiting (and oh….the waiting…it’s almost physically painful). Or maybe you encounter a situation where a quick and simple decision eludes you…you, the effective, efficient decision maker! You find yourself in a space that’s not comfortable because it doesn’t have a clear outcome. You have no certainty in being able to see, touch, feel and visualize the next step. Perhaps it’s a big decision.
But really, for those of us for whom this no-man’s land is a lonely, painful place…could there be a hidden gem to uncover? Tempting as it may be to will it away…this empty, uncertain place…isn’t there growth here? Patience is one offshoot that immediately comes to mind but no…it must be something deeper. Trust. Trust in the process. Trust in knowing that no matter how many options you analyze…perhaps time and space rule supreme in this foreign land and only by putting your faith and trust in the process will hope and clarity reappear, after a slumber that seems unending.
Viktor E. Frankl is quoted as saying, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
We, as a society, are conditioned to minimize the space between stimulus and response. But what are we missing as a result? Have you ever rushed a decision to provide yourself with the certainty you craved only to realize that, in the end, it wasn’t the right choice?
Undoubtedly the ability to make quick and calculated decisions is critical to any high-functioning organization or individual. The wise decision maker, however, realizes the power in knowing when to decide and when to allow that space to exist and seek the hidden growth.
Take a few minutes today to examine your business, your life. When given an option, do you allow a space between stimulus and response? How do you react when faced with an involuntary space? Do you choose to react in panic and force a decision? Or do you choose to recognize the gift in that space that, ultimately, opens the door to a much greater opportunity?
Megan, thanks for the push to take some space and listen. I’ve recently been given the gift of time and it is a bit uncomfortable because we are programmed to “DO”. I will take your advice and “choose to recognize the gift in that space. . . “
I like to call that involuntary space – patience. Curious though, are there certain situations when its best to react in panic? Or are you saying, have a process in place and stick to that process.
Thanks for the comment, Jeff! Yes, of course there are situation where reacting quickly is the only route. And, in fact, I personally think most decisions can and should be made quickly. If you read “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell, he has some interesting theories about our initial impressions and reacting according to our “gut feelings”. In my experience, there are situations that we’re presented with in life that don’t have a simple or easy answer. I agree that if you’re suffering from indecision or choosing to be overwhelmed, sometimes it’s just best to force a decision to create action or momentum. But if you’re faced with a situation where you find yourself uncomfortable not knowing which path to choose, recognizing that discomfort and allowing yourself to live in that space sometimes opens doors you never would’ve even seen had you rushed into a decision to meet your need for certainty.