Wait Summary

Success often depends not on acting quickly, but on waiting for the right moment to act—and understanding when that moment arrives.

1. Timing is the Hidden Skill in Fast-Paced Sports

In tennis, success hinges less on reaction speed and more on the player's ability to time their response wisely. This involves pausing long enough to gather all essential data before making a move—an ability that differentiates skilled players from average ones. While the universal human visual reaction time is approximately 200 milliseconds, elite players utilize as much of that time as possible to interpret their opponent's actions.

The distance between players and the net is also perfectly calibrated in sports like tennis to create just enough time to engage this subconscious skill. If the distance were greater or smaller, the sport wouldn't demand the same level of precision. This highlights how timing under specific constraints enhances the challenge.

Tennis players, just like other high performers, demonstrate how to wait strategically in high-speed situations. Their ability to pause momentarily allows the unconscious mind to plan optimal responses, which are far more effective than purely reflexive actions.

Examples

• Top tennis players wait a split-second longer than average players to predict the ball's trajectory more accurately.
• Adjustments in court dimensions in sports like table tennis significantly affect reaction strategies.
• Players transitioning from junior to professional levels learn to stretch their decision-making time for better outcomes.

2. Going Too Fast Can Undermine Success

High-frequency stock trading dominates modern financial markets, but faster isn't always smarter. For instance, when trading became ultra-fast, firms like UNX initially benefited from reduced transaction times. Moving their operations closer to Wall Street seemed to offer advantages, but cutting too many milliseconds led to unforeseen risks.

When transactions moved too quickly, the financial market's ability to stabilize was compromised. This shift increased market volatility, making wide swings in asset prices more frequent and devastating during crises, as seen in the 2010 “Flash Crash.” Traders struggled to keep up, leading to significant losses.

There’s a sweet spot in the speed of trading that balances efficiency with stability. Traders now aim for this "golden pace," reducing risks while still seizing opportunities. It's a balancing act between the benefits of speed and the dangers of excess.

Examples

• UNX's profits fell after ultra-speed transactions, forcing them to return to earlier, slower practices.
• An 18-minute stock market crash in 2010 erased trillions of dollars due to hyper-fast trades.
• Traders found that trading at a slightly slower speed allowed better decision-making and steadier profits.

3. Subliminal Messages Secretly Influence Behavior

Subliminal messaging works by subtly affecting the subconscious mind. These fleeting, unnoticed stimuli can shape how people think or act without their awareness. For instance, James Vicary's infamous experiment in 1957 suggested that flashing "Eat Popcorn" and "Drink Coca-Cola" during movies boosted snack sales. Though his claim was later debunked, recent research has reaffirmed the power of subliminal cues.

One study found that people exposed repeatedly to the Apple logo became more creative than those exposed to the IBM logo. Another demonstrated that subliminal words associated with aging caused participants to behave according to stereotypes, such as moving more slowly or becoming more conservative.

Timing is key when planting subliminal messages. Flashing images for just the right amount of time—long enough to be absorbed unconsciously but too quick for conscious processing—can alter behavior in ways we might not readily comprehend.

Examples

• Vicary's alleged cinema experiment sparked decades of studies into subliminal marketing.
• Photo flashes of Apple's logo inspired participants to brainstorm more innovative ideas.
• Seniors exposed subconsciously to “aging” concepts started walking more cautiously.

4. Expertise Can Cut Through Chaos, but Only With Confidence

When decisions must be made quickly, the distinction between experts and novices becomes obvious. Experts rely on pattern recognition, developed through practice, to act decisively. For instance, firegrounds commanders in emergencies instinctively knew whether to prioritize rescue efforts or containment based on the fire's spread.

However, guessing can be dangerous for novices. In a study where medical students and EMTs assessed CPR skills, the inexperienced made poor judgments while veterans quickly identified the best performers. In high-pressure situations, novices must take their time rather than trusting unreliable instincts.

Even experts falter when removed from their area of comfort. A tragic example is U.S. Navy Captain William Rogers, who mistakenly shot down a civilian airliner when critical information systems failed, exposing his reliance on incomplete data.

Examples

• Fireground commanders trust instinct when deciding whether to attack a fire or rescue civilians.
• In a CPR assessment study, paramedics chose the best practitioner 90% of the time based on instinct.
• Captain Rogers’ fatal misstep illustrates the limits of instincts without full situational awareness.

5. Quick Judgments Can Lead to Hidden Biases

Unconscious social biases can be amplified by snap decisions. In healthcare, this problem manifests in unequal treatment of patients based on race. Scientific research consistently shows that doctors subconsciously offer better treatments to white patients compared to black patients.

For example, white patients with chronic kidney conditions are likelier to be referred for transplants. Black patients often receive more conservative medical interventions, despite needing the same aggressive care. Yet when physicians were made aware of their biases, their recommendations began shifting toward greater equity.

Impulsive decisions based on gut reactions, especially in complex social situations, can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Taking even five minutes to reflect often leads to more accurate judgments.

Examples

• Studies show doctors hesitate to prescribe heart attack medications to black patients.
• After prompting on implicit bias, some physicians increased medication prescriptions for black patients.
• A 2007 study revealed judgments about traits like sociability improve with longer consideration.

6. Love Requires Patience and Strategy

Quick matchmaking methods like swiping through photos or speed-dating often prioritize superficial attributes over meaningful connections. This short-term decision-making can limit the chances of finding a compatible partner.

Irene LaCota, head of a dating service, prohibits showing photos before dates to ensure compatibility is evaluated on things that truly matter. She believes appearances shouldn’t overshadow emotional or personality-based connections.

When on first dates, strategic timing matters. A lunch date, for example, keeps interactions limited, allowing room for both reflection and decision-making before committing to a follow-up.

Examples

• Many dating apps emphasize appearance, preventing deeper connections.
• LaCota’s “no photos” approach encourages daters to focus on personality matches.
• Lunch dates provide a time-limited but meaningful way to evaluate potential partners.

7. Short-Term Thinking Drives Procrastination

Humans naturally prefer immediate benefits over delayed rewards, which often causes procrastination. Psychiatrist George Ainslie discovered that people choose a smaller immediate reward over a larger future one—even though they make opposite decisions when the rewards are farther away in time.

This tendency explains why many postpone unpleasant tasks like filing taxes. Choosing a brief moment of comfort often outweighs long-term consequences. However, this approach becomes problematic when short delays lead to greater crises later—like ignoring a warning sign on your car to get home faster.

Procrastination isn’t always negative. Used wisely, it allows time to consider options and make better choices, though prolonged avoidance can lead to regrets.

Examples

• Drivers frequently ignore engine warning lights after a long workday for the sake of relaxation.
• Ainslie’s subjects showed preferences for small rewards right now versus better rewards in the future.
• Postponing stressful tasks like tax filing often outweighs long-term gains in short-term thinking.

8. Procrastination Can Be Productive

Strategic waiting—procrastination done right—can uncover opportunities. Warren Buffett, a legendary investor, uses deliberate delay to identify lucrative financial deals. Instead of rushing decisions, he invests time studying markets.

Similarly, President Obama skillfully avoided compromising questions during interviews by pausing to compose unassailable responses. This deliberate timing allowed him to speak tactfully and strategically.

The art of waiting isn’t about inaction. It requires vigilance, patience, and preparation for the right moment to act.

Examples

• Buffett studies financial events daily but invests sparingly for maximum profit windows.
• Obama delayed answering a contentious question about ordering killings with a carefully neutral response.
• Postponing actions strategically ensures precision in decision-making.

9. Success Lies in Knowing When to Act

Knowing when to wait and when to act separates success from failure. Procrastination becomes productive only with awareness. High performers monitor opportunities, waiting for the perfect time to strike, while avoiding paralysis from over-deliberation.

Pairing observation with preparation creates opportunities to act confidently. Those who rush miss out on critical insights, while those who wait too long watch their moment slip away.

This balancing act is a hallmark of mastery, seen across fields from finance to sports.

Examples

• Tennis champions wait milliseconds longer for precise volleys.
• Stock market experts tune transaction speeds to balance caution and agility.
• Leaders like Obama blend preparation with composure for effective public responses.

Takeaways

1. When making decisions, resist the urge to act immediately. Pause to analyze your options for better choices.
2. Practice strategic procrastination by delaying action only after preparing thoroughly or studying your situation.
3. Be mindful of unconscious biases, especially in high-pressure moments. Challenge first impressions with deeper reflection.