How To Avoid Unintentional Action — Do Nothing Instead

Not all actions are created equal.

I mentioned previously the importance of being action-oriented. However, we need to distinguish between intentional and unintentional action. Some examples of unintentional action are

• Checking through all your social media apps in an endless cycle
• Checking your mailbox 20 times an hour
• Shaking legs when sitting
• Too much thought and you cannot concentrate.
• Clenching
• Biting nails

These often unconscious behaviors are still actions, but they lead to nowhere. They drain your energy and cause further frustration. We need to move from busy (action for action’s sake) to productive (minimum effort, maximum result).

When in doubt — do nothing

Your priority is the following.

• Intentional action
• Non-action
• Unintentional action

Whenever you find yourself expelling energy for no reason, take a step back. Breath slowly and focus on what you see, hear and feel right now. Then you will feel re-centered and take intentional action, which is what you want. Do these microbreaks as soon as you notice the nervous movements creep in.

It does not matter which action you take, as long as it is intentional and you are aware of it. You will learn from feedback and get to your goal faster than predicting in advance.