When I was watching Tea with the Dames, Dame Maggie Smith said something that made me stop, pause, and write myself a note:
“When in doubt, don’t.”
Four simple words.
The more I thought about them, the more I realized how often we do the exact opposite. Someone wants an answer right now. An opportunity appears out of nowhere. A decision feels urgent. So we act.
I’ve learned that when something doesn’t feel quite right, there’s usually a reason. Maybe I need more information. Maybe I haven’t asked enough questions. Maybe I’m letting urgency make the decision instead of judgment.
That doesn’t mean never act. It means not forcing action before clarity arrives.
Some of the best decisions I’ve made came after I gave myself permission to pause, think, ask one more question, and give myself a little more time to understand what was really going on.
Now, when I feel pressure to move quickly, I ask myself:
Am I making this decision because it’s the right move, or because I’m uncomfortable with the uncertainty?
The answer usually tells me what to do next—or what not to do.
When in doubt, don’t.
At least not yet.