Sometimes we all just need to take a minute and chill out. Ok, maybe we don’t all have a whole minute to sit and ponder, await big decisions, or make our next move, but we all certainly have 10 seconds. You may think that counting to 10 is an old school tactic, but we’re here to remind you just how useful this calming and brain-straightening tool really is. For those of us young professionals who are naturally impatient, occasionally inclined toward impulsiveness, or overly emotional (sorry, passionate), then counting to 10 will never go out of style. Read on to see why:
For the Impatient
We live in a go, go, go world. We want what we want and we want it right now. Impatience can be a useful part of the young professional MO, allowing us to gain appreciation for punctuality and respect for other people’s time. But with that said, we must also remember that not everyone runs at the same speed as we do. Having to wait for others is a very common part of both business and social relationships. As much as we wish the world ran on our schedule, that’s just not reality, and so counting to 10 gives us impatient types a chance to consider and understand the very acceptable reasons why we are being made to wait. Traffic happens. Technologies break down. People get sick. Thus, taking a breath and doing a mental count encourages us to be more open-minded, helps us practice patience, and may just make the difference between fostering flexible working and social relationships or creating rigid ones with little room to develop.
For the Impulsive
In a past Notable article we discussed the challenge faced by many young professionals of trying to find that balance between being young and being professional. Many YPs have that leftover streak of immaturity running through us, which at times can cause bouts of impulsiveness. Again, it’s not uncommon for us to neglect our “tomorrow selves” in order to stay for that extra beer, or say “screw it” to certain obligations in favour of something more fun. But if this becomes a regular bad habit, counting to 10 before taking that impulsive step may just be the handy strategy for you. In the hubbub of fun, taking a moment to stop and think can help us return to our senses and remember the standards, limits, budgets, etc. that we have set for ourselves, and why.
For the Passionate
In general, the reason counting to 10 works is because it allows our brain to catch up with the rest of us. In the heat of the moment, things like adrenaline, emotion, and excitement tend to take the lead, and such visceral reactions are not always our best guides. Let your brain get in on the action and have its say too by simply counting to 10. Whether in the throes of passion, in workplace debates, or in serious confrontations, look to those 1, 2, 3s to ensure that your next step is one you can be proud of, and one that involves all the facets of your savvy YP self.
