When a project or meeting gets difficult, it can be tempting to power through to try to get it over with. But it’s better to do the same you might do for a slow-moving computer: shut it off and wait a minute.
Give yourself the opportunity to regain your composure. In a meeting that’s going nowhere? Take a break. Not making headway on that proposal you need to write? Take a walk. During the break, don’t think of new strategies or arguments. By taking yourself out of the situation, you allow your brain to rest so that when you return—with a fresh perspective and a calm mind—you are more likely to find a new solution.
