(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)


Waiting has two forms – useful and unuseful.

Sometimes waiting is a part of preparing. That glob of dough needs to be left alone for a while before it’s cooked to become a warm loaf of sourdough bread. The waiting is integral to the process.

Think of all that happens before – sometimes long before – the launch of a rocket to orbit or beyond. Many steps of action (including ‘lighting a match’ to it!) are preceded by useful waiting – for system checks, weather, even planetary alignments.

Similarly before a book is published. Or before a meal is served. Preparing includes useful waiting.

Unuseful waiting is what we do when we’re afraid – of taking actions or of imagined unpleasant results.

Unuseful waiting is what we do when we don’t know what to do and we’re stuck, immobilized.

Unuseful waiting is medicating, avoiding feeling something.


Coaching Point: What are you eagerly (usefully) waiting for right now?


Copyright 2024 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.