First Think It Through

Have you ever said or done something that you wish you had taken the time to think through? I have, on countless occasions. Some of the results have been disastrous, to say the least.

I believe that if we are going to find, live and love the life we envision, we need to make “First, think it through” a new habit. Like any other habits, thinking before you speak, can be learned. I give three ways to build this new habit below and would love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

When we do things without first giving it some thought, we are reflecting how we  have been conditioned. I am one who believe that it is a learned behavior, which can be unlearned. It will take much discipline and hard work, but the benefits far outweigh the “cost”.

There is a story that I read recently that truly makes the point. It is a biblical story found in the Gospel of Mark 6. The king at the time had a step-daughter who was an incredible dancer. She danced for him and his VIP guests. He was so impressed that he blurted out this promise: “Ask me anything you want up to half his kingdom.” Wow! That was a huge “not-thinking-before-you-speak” moment.

Having his VIP guests hear this promise, he would have to do everything in his power to make sure he followed through. He had to save face at whatever cost. After consulting with her mother, she came back and asked him for the head of his nemesis, John the Baptist who was being held in prison at that time.

I am sure that thought didn’t even cross his mind. Who would have thought she would make such a request. Now it was too late.

The story continued: “Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn’t refuse her.” (Mark 6:26 NLT)

Here are three ways to create this new habit of “First, think it through”:

1. Ask for time to respond. You may want to request time to get back with the person with an appropriate response. There are times when an immediate response is needed, which I do understand, but these are the exceptions.
2. Consult with outside sources. Once you have received permission for a delayed response, consult with people – trusted people, and / or other sources that would add some clarity and perspective to what it is you are thinking.
3. Determine if the situation warrants a response. Some situations do not need a response. Sometimes we give a response that was unnecessary, which we realize after the fact. Maybe just a simple acknowledgment and reflective listening is all that is needed.

These are three ways that you could build this new habit. Can you think of more? Do you think it is a habit? I would love to hear your response. Take a few minutes and respond in the comment section below.