Speaking of Practicing the Pause, I just got this email from Wyatt Bardouille, who interviewed me for their show WhitneyandWyatt.com. I asked her if I could share it.

Hi Mikelann– I just wanted to tell you that I put to use one of the tenets that you taught us on our show – Practicing the Pause. And it really came in handy! An acquaintance called and asked if I could volunteer some editing time with a group of children for an upcoming charity event. A request can’t get anymore benevolent than that. I barely have time to take a shower in the morning, I’m so busy, but I felt REALLY guilty about saying no, even though I don’t know this person very well, and I volunteer time and donate to charitable causes a lot.

So I just practiced the pause and let her talk a bit more. Then I said, “I’m super-swamped. Can I get back to you by the end of the week on this?”. That gives me time to think realistically about whether I can do this or not before committing. So thank you for that!!!!!

This is a great example. Share your example of practicing the pause!