Yes, but not yet?

Last week, over a cup of tea with a friend, she confided that she was at a crossroads, unsure whether to move forward with a project or wait a little longer. Deciding when to take action and when to pause can be tricky to navigate. Sometimes, it's easier to stay where we are, even if moving forward might be more beneficial. Other times, we jump into something too quickly, when a little more reflection or preparation could serve us better. So how do we know the difference? When is it right to say ‘yes,’ and when should we say ‘yes, but not yet’?

Enter the 48-hour test, a tool to engage your imagination and gain clarity. For one day, imagine yourself fully committing to a ‘yes’ to taking action now. Live with that decision, and notice how it influences your mood, energy, and levels of satisfaction. Pay attention to any shifts in your feelings, making note of both what excites you and challenges you.

On the second day, try the opposite—imagine saying ‘yes, but not yet.’ Does removing immediate action bring you relief, frustration, or disappointment? This alternating approach allows you to tune in to your emotions and reflect on what you truly want.

Discernment takes time, patience and practice. The more we engage, the easier it becomes to trust our inner voice.

Discerning our desires and developing the confidence to move forward is a process that takes time, patience, and practice. Often, we may feel unsure of what we truly want, or we might hesitate due to fear of making the wrong choice. It’s through reflection and self-awareness that we begin to understand what aligns with our values and aspirations. By allowing ourselves space to explore different possibilities, we can more clearly identify the paths that most resonate with us.

Building the confidence to take action is just as important as clarity. Confidence doesn't appear in a single moment; it grows as we learn to trust ourselves and the decisions we make. Each time we step forward, whether it's with an immediate ‘yes’ or a measured ‘yes, but not yet,’ we strengthen our ability to move forward with greater conviction. The more we engage in this practice, the easier it becomes to trust our inner voice, knowing that both discernment and action are part of the journey.

That decision you're contemplating taking action on - is it a 'yes' or a 'yes, but not yet'? You've got this!