Wait For It!

Something happens. I know you feel it – the tension that exists between going for it and waiting for it. What will you choose to do?

Going for it is a constant theme in my Fear Free Friday videos where I encourage people to take steps to overcome their fear instead of letting fear hold them back. But even in going for it, you still need to think through the impact of it and go at a pace and a way that is right for you.

Waiting for it is important too, especially when emotion is involved. This requires patience, self-discipline, perseverance and of course, strategy.

I try to think carefully before I take action. When it comes to an emotional situation, I’m especially careful. I want to address the situation in a way that facilitates real conversation and hopefully change. Not everything needs to be addressed immediately.

I was so sad to see the choice that Will Smith made at the Oscars. He could have chosen to wait for it instead of going for it. There was no excuse for his actions. Bad behavior is bad behavior. His immediate action was inappropriate.  It could, and in my opinion, should have been handled in a different way,  at a different time.

Was it out of character? I think so, but I don’t really know because I only know him by what he presents to the public. I do know that assault is assault no matter how you try to justify it.

Overnight, he tried try to make light of it by saying “You can’t take people from Philly or Baltimore anywhere.” That’s not funny.  I’m from Baltimore. You can’t laugh your way out of a bad choice. And you shouldn’t make light of it either.

People are complicated. People aren’t this or that. We’re all of it and we’re not perfect. But when you’re a leader or in this case, you have a platform, people follow you. You influence people.  You have a responsibility.

What you do matters.

When you make a misstep, acknowledge it, take responsibility for it and vow to do better – that’s when people see the true leader in you. It’s called humility. Everyone can relate to missteps.  

So, in this case, waiting for it would have the better choice, at least from my perspective.  It was an exciting, and historic night for so many and his actions ruined the experience. And then he talked about love? I was confused.     

Chris Rock handled it like a pro. He chose to wait for it. Had he not, we could have easily seen a fist fight at the Oscars.

When emotions are running high, it’s better to wait for it rather than go for it.