The power of taking a day before deciding

The other day, I was listening to a podcast episode where Jordi Miró spoke candidly about his tendency to make impulsive decisions. He admitted that, for years, he would react instantly, whether it was to an opportunity, a challenge, or even a conflict. But then he shared how something as simple as waiting a single day before making a decision had completely changed his perspective. That insight struck me deeply.

In our fast-paced world, we are conditioned to respond immediately. Emails demand instant replies, business proposals come with tight deadlines, and social media trains us to react in seconds. This constant rush feeds a culture of impulsivity, where acting quickly is often confused with being decisive. But as Jordi pointed out, true decisiveness comes from clarity, not speed.

Impulsive decisions are usually emotional ones. Excitement, frustration, or fear can push us toward choices that feel right in the moment but don’t hold up over time. Giving ourselves even 24 hours creates the space for those emotions to settle. When the initial rush fades, we can see the decision more objectively, weighing the facts instead of just reacting to feelings.

Since hearing Jordi’s story, I’ve been thinking about how often I let urgency dictate my choices. And the truth is, most of the time, the urgency isn’t real, it’s just perceived. Waiting doesn’t mean missing out; it often means showing up better prepared and more aligned with what truly matters.

Of course, there are situations where immediate action is necessary, emergencies, fleeting opportunities, or moments when hesitation could cost dearly. But those are the exceptions, not the rule. In most cases, the decision can wait. And when it can, letting a night pass before acting can be one of the smartest habits you adopt.

The next time you face an important choice, resist the instinct to decide right away. Take a breath, give it a day, and let your mind settle. You might find, as Jordi did, that the best decisions aren’t made in the heat of the moment, they’re made in the calm that follows.