Sometimes Doing Nothing Can be the Best Thing

Sometimes Doing Nothing Can be the Best Thing

Recently, I have been feeling a little bit overwhelmed by work.

Be it replying to the endless flow of emails, or constant notifications from my phone apps.

I often find myself trying to do more because the notion of doing nothing seems unhealthy.

"It's always better to do more. Don't be lazy."

Is this really true?

Are actions always better than inaction? 🤔


What is Action Bias?

Action bias refers to our tendency to favour action over inaction, even when inaction might lead to better outcomes.

It’s a psychological phenomenon deeply rooted in our need to do something to regain control during uncertain situations.

The problem arises when this impulse to act is not guided by careful thought, leading to hasty decisions.

Don’t Mistake Movement for Progress

In our personal lives, action bias manifests when we fill our schedules with tasks or pursue multiple goals at once without taking time for reflection.

This can lead to burnout or feeling stuck in a loop of busyness without real progress.


How to Progress Well Without Action Bias

Pause and reflect

Before jumping into the next self-improvement project or life change, ask yourself if it aligns with your long-term goals.

Plan before acting

Set aside time for strategic thinking—consider where you are, where you want to be, and which actions will truly move you forward.

Practice mindfulness

Engage in mindfulness practices that help ground you in the present and guide you toward thoughtful, intentional actions.

Career Development: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Action for Action’s Sake

In a career context, action bias can often lead to taking on more projects or roles without evaluating whether they align with your career growth.

Many mid-career professionals feel pressure to keep moving—whether it’s switching jobs, taking on new responsibilities, or aiming for a promotion—often without a clear understanding of how these steps serve their overall career trajectory.

In such cases, how do we progress well in our our careers without action bias?

Clarify your goals

Are you acting out of fear of stagnation, or do your actions align with your long-term career ambitions?

Establishing clear career goals helps ensure each action taken serves your development.

Seek guidance

Career coaches and mentors can provide objective insight into whether your actions are advancing your career meaningfully or simply adding to your workload.

Prioritize learning

Instead of just “doing,” focus on expanding your skills and knowledge to prepare for the right opportunities, rather than just any opportunity.

Business Growth: Strategic Action over Reactionary Moves

In business, action bias can drive leaders to make decisions based on short-term pressures rather than long-term vision.

Whether it’s expanding too quickly, launching a product prematurely, or overhauling a strategy in response to competitors, action bias can lead to costly mistakes.

Build a strategic roadmap

A well-thought-out plan will help your business move forward with intention. Regularly revisit and adjust this plan to ensure each action is in line with your larger vision.

Data-driven decision making

Avoid reactionary decisions by grounding your actions in data and analytics.

This allows for more measured, calculated risks rather than impulsive moves.

Embrace patience

Recognize that sometimes the best action is waiting.

In business, timing is often key, and waiting for the right moment can be more beneficial than acting prematurely.

Act with Intention

Overcoming action bias is about replacing impulsive action with thoughtful strategy.

It’s about understanding that sometimes, the best course of action is taking a step back to reassess your situation.

Whether in your personal life, career, or business, the key to growth isn’t simply doing more—it’s doing what matters most.

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Lastly, do like 👍 if this post has helped you and comment ✍🏻 your thoughts on this post.

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Will Linssen

Top Voice (LinkedIn), #1 Leadership Coach (Global Gurus), Advisor at Harvard Business Review, Master Certified Coach (ICF MCC), #1 Coach Trainer (Thinkers50), CEO at Global Coach Group

1mo

This is great! Overall, the post emphasizes the value of intentional pauses for better decision-making and healthier work-life balance in the realm of executive coaching and leadership development coaching.

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David Chung

COO at Global Coach Group and Founder of Kyber5, building websites and systems for businesses. Passionate about using technology to drive growth and streamline operations.

1mo

Great insights, Jeremiah Teo (赵汉昇)! It’s easy to fall into the trap of constant busyness, but sometimes stepping back and giving ourselves space to reflect can be the most effective way to recharge and refocus. Appreciate you sharing this reminder on the power of thoughtful inaction. Looking forward to the next newsletter!

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Great perspective! Thanks for the privilege to subscribe Jeremiah Teo (赵汉昇)

Rene de Murard, MBA

Board Member, CEO and Leadership Coach

2mo

Great insight Jeremiah, I often recommend myself and my coachees, take a walk on the quiet side. It is incredible how a 5 minute walk can reset your mind and give you powerful insights.

Gregory Fok

Doctors and Business Adviser, Biz strategies, wealth transfer, working with senior leadership to grow and ringfence their business and financial assets. Dream Builder, Time saver, Stress reducer, Simplifier, Risk expert.

2mo

Doing nothing itself is an action, but a silent one, Jeremiah Teo (赵汉昇) ! And from experience, this generated more growth as we are able to think through.

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