Before executing, take one minute to think
At this point, you've done the hardest part.
You know how to prioritize your tasks, identify what matters, and avoid procrastination.
In short, you're ready to execute.
And that's exactly where there is one mistake you must avoid: charging in without thinking.
Executing without a plan is like leaving for vacation with no GPS and no map.
At some point you'll take a wrong turn, have to backtrack, and waste precious time.
At work, it's the exact same thing.
The "wait a minute" rule
The rule is intentionally simple, and the slightly absurd name is there so you remember it.
Before you start anything, think:
"Wait a minute."
And take at least one minute to think about how you're going to approach it.
That minute isn't procrastination. It's there to avoid doing it wrong, having to redo it, or wasting hours later.
Meetings: avoid useless rambling
Starting a meeting without a clear goal is guaranteed to drift into endless discussions.
Before you start:
- why are we meeting?
- what result do we expect at the end?
- is everyone really essential?
This one-minute framing often shortens the meeting, and can even free some participants.
It fits perfectly with what we saw in the power of saying no at work.
Projects and deliverables: avoid doing it twice
Jumping straight into a big deck, a report, or an Excel model without a plan is risky.
One minute to:
- structure the main ideas
- validate the outline with your manager or a coworker
- check that you're aligned on the goal
This is often what prevents hearing at the end:
"It's good, but it's not really what I expected."
Start your day with less friction
The wait-a-minute rule is also very useful at the beginning of the day.
Take one minute to:
- scan your calendar hour by hour
- make sure everything is ready (rooms, video links, documents)
- spot the watch-outs
It's a great complement to timeboxing.
In everyday life too
This rule doesn't only apply at work.
Before you:
- pack your bag
- leave for a trip
- start a long drive
- start a movie late at night
Take a minute to anticipate what's next.
That quick projection prevents stupid forgetfulness and annoying situations.
Thinking takes energy, and that's normal
For many of us, there is a strong bias toward execution.
We like acting, producing, seeing immediate results.
Thinking before acting takes mental effort.
That's why the wait-a-minute rule needs to become a reflex, not a conscious decision every time.
Like brushing your teeth before bed, that minute should be automatic.
One minute now, hours saved later
The wait-a-minute rule is a micro-habit.
But compounded across dozens of decisions, it makes a huge difference.
Fewer mistakes.
Less backtracking.
Less frustration for your future self.
One email a day.
No pressure.
Just what matters.