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The 'WAIT' Acronym

Category: Relationships & Communication
Tags: Communication, Impulse Control
  • Definition
  • The Science
  • The Practice
  • Common Pitfalls

Overview

We interrupt. We over-explain. We fill silence because it makes us uncomfortable.

Definition

WAIT stands for: Why Am I Talking? It is a cognitive speed-bump.

The Science

Prefrontal Brake

Pausing engages the executive function, inhibiting the basal ganglia's impulse to speak.

The Practice

The Three Gates

  1. Is it True?
  2. Is it Necessary?
  3. Is it Kind?
  4. If no, discard.

Common Pitfalls

  • The 'Fixer' instinct.
  • Fear of silence.

Key Takeaway

Silence is not empty; it is full of answers.

The Modern Mindfulness Atlas

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