When in doubt, take more time.

Hear, O listeners, the wise counsel of John Zimmerman: “When in doubt, take more time.” This saying, though simple in form, bears the weight of centuries of human trial and error. It is a call to patience, to caution, and to the discipline of reflection. For haste, though alluring, is the ally of folly, while time, when given space to work, brings clarity, balance, and the chance to see truth more fully. In moments of uncertainty, Zimmerman urges us not to rush into error, but to pause, to wait, to let wisdom ripen.

The origin of this thought lies in the traditions of experience, where leaders, artists, and thinkers have long known that choices made in haste often lead to ruin. Zimmerman himself, as a figure skater and coach, understood the value of time in practice, training, and decision-making. Precision on the ice demanded patience and rhythm, not reckless speed. In this, his words carry the voice of the ancients, who taught that the soul, like the fruit of the tree, becomes strong only when allowed to mature in the fullness of its season.

Consider the tale of Abraham Lincoln before signing the Emancipation Proclamation. For months he delayed, though pressed by advisors and surrounded by clamor. Why did he wait? Because he sought the right moment, when the Union’s fortunes in war were strong enough to give the proclamation force. Had he rushed, it might have shattered the fragile alliance of states still wavering in loyalty. But by taking more time, Lincoln ensured that his action became not only a declaration, but an enduring turning point in history. His patience proved Zimmerman’s truth: in doubt, wait until clarity and strength align.

So too in the story of the Wright brothers, who spent years perfecting their flying machine. Others rushed to beat them, eager for glory, but most failed in haste. The brothers, methodical and patient, testing again and again in quiet obscurity, finally conquered the skies. Their success was not in rushing, but in choosing to take more time, crafting with care what others treated as a gamble. From their story, we learn that patience is not weakness—it is power.

Yet, Zimmerman’s counsel is not an excuse for delay born of fear. It is not the idleness of procrastination, but the wisdom of deliberation. To take more time when in doubt is to gather strength, to weigh consequences, to ensure that one’s action flows not from impulse but from truth. It is the pause before the leap, the sharpening of the blade before battle, the breath before the song begins. In this pause lies the difference between failure and victory.

The lesson is clear: do not let the fire of uncertainty drive you to rashness. When doubt clouds your path, stand still and wait until the fog clears. In that waiting, seek counsel, reflect deeply, and let time reveal what haste conceals. For decisions made in stillness often outlast those born in frenzy. The wise do not fear to pause; they fear only to act before they are ready.

Practical actions follow. When faced with doubt, step back. Sleep on your decision. Ask questions you have not asked before. Consult voices of wisdom. Resist the urge to choose quickly simply to escape discomfort, for time is a healer of confusion and a revealer of truth. Better to arrive late with wisdom than to leap early into regret.

So let Zimmerman’s words be etched into your heart: “When in doubt, take more time.” Let them guide you when the world urges haste, when fear demands speed, when pride whispers, “Act now.” For it is patience that gives birth to wisdom, and wisdom that gives birth to greatness. And those who know how to wait, know how to triumph.