Current studies show a gap between the thought that just entered your mind… and the decision to act or even continue to entertain that thought.

It may be as long as ten seconds!

The great news is that thinking and acting doesn’t have to be instantaneous.

--------The gap gives you time to decide. ----------

Whether the decisions you must make today are large or small, simple or complex, you have likely have time to ponder. Whether you’ve been pondering them for ten months, ten days or ten minutes, you have time. It all comes down to that ten or so seconds before you take an action.

• Should I say these words to my spouse?
• Should I see my life as cursed and miserable?
• Should I say “yes” to the candy bar?
• Shall I go for a run?

What you do in those ten seconds can be either a lifeline saving you from something harmful or a slingshot propelling you toward something wonderful.

Here’s today’s suggested brain habit.

MIND THE GAP! Think before you do. Give yourself more time. Slow down some.

• Close your eyes and breathe deeply three slow breaths

• Ask yourself how saying this will affect others besides you

• Consider if this is coming from the best you. The real you. Or from the old and outdated you – not the person you’re meant to be.

• Ask yourself whether your action contributes to your own health and well- being or will make you miserable.

Slow it Down

The Bible encourages this “slow down” think before you do way of life. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19

Sometimes the best thing we can do to move ahead... is to slow down.

Trust me, I’m coming off an ADD diagnosis a few years ago and everything! If this brain habit can be learned by me, you can too! And the benefits include

• A sense of more control

• Not allowing a “big mouth” to get you into trouble

• Not allowing depressive thinking to take route.

• More peace for sure!

Do you really want to keep thinking what you’re thinking? Do you need to surrender that? Let it go?

Hear yourself start down a bad brain track and think: NOT GOIN THERE!

But, once again, this will involve some deep work to notice your thought and practice slowing. Think “slow it down.” Think about it. Not going there. Be gentle with your brain.

MIND THE GAP! Think before you do. Think before you continue thinking.

Have a great day!

Jeff