Let it sit for a while

The act of letting something “sit for a while” should be used as a method, a process, to achieve a later task or goal. Let’s say you’re offered a promotion or some sort of deal that puts you on the fence. The best course of action would be to let the idea sit for a while and really, really think it over. Is accepting a promotion that results in more money and responsibilities at a company that you hate working for really the right choice? Or would it be better to switch careers and work towards that dream job you’ve always imagined since you were ten? It’s probably best to sit down in front of your desk and make a list of pros and cons, and just let that list sit there for a while. The worse thing would be to rush into a decision that you’ll ultimately regret making afterwards.

That being said, it is important to note that you should be careful not to abuse the method of “letting something sit for a while.” The easiest example of this that pretty much everyone has experienced is letting the dishes sit in the sink with water. The excuse here is that it’ll make it easier to do the dishes later – but when exactly is later? Sometimes, dishes of my own will pile up and sit in the sink for weeks, until finally the mold on the rims convince me it’s time to buckle down and get the chore out of the way. So while it is beneficial to “let things sit for a while,” it is never a good idea to let them sit for too long.

I like to think that this method helps with creativity and writing, and I’m pretty sure it does. After having written a short story, it’s probably best to get it off your mind for a while and let it sit there in your computer. Too often, I’d read a recently completed story over and over, thinking that it is close to perfection when in actuality, it could do with a lot of work. But don’t let your writing gather mold, or you’ll risk the chance of never getting back to it ever again.