The Pattern of Patience

Life often presents us with choices. Sometimes we need to step back. Other times we need to move forward with all our might. The rhythm might sound familiar: Pass. Pass. Pass. Smash.

This simple pattern represents a powerful approach to tackling challenges. It's about waiting for the right moment and then taking decisive action when opportunity strikes.

The Power of Passing

Passing doesn't mean giving up. It means making a strategic choice to wait, observe, and prepare. Each time we choose to pass, we're gathering information, building strength, and setting the stage for future success.

Think about a farmer who watches the seasons change before planting seeds. Or a basketball player who passes the ball several times until the perfect shooting opportunity appears. Passing is active patience with purpose.

Most achievements require several moments of restraint before the breakthrough happens. Those initial passes aren't failures—they're necessary steps in the process.

When to Smash

After careful preparation comes the moment to act with full force. The smash represents commitment, confidence, and decisive action. It's when you've gathered enough information, built enough skill, or found the perfect opening to move forward.

The impact of your smash is multiplied by the thoughtful passes that came before it. Without those earlier moments of restraint, your forceful action might miss its mark.

Successful people recognize when it's time to switch from passing to smashing. They don't smash too early out of impatience, nor pass forever out of fear.

Finding Your Rhythm

This pattern works across many areas of life:

• In business: Research, plan, prepare—then launch with confidence
• In relationships: Listen, understand, connect—then open up fully
• In learning: Study, practice, review—then apply knowledge boldly

The exact number of passes before the smash will vary. Some situations call for more preparation than others. The key is developing the wisdom to recognize when you've passed enough and it's time to smash.

Embracing the Pattern

Next time you face a challenge, consider this rhythm. Are you in a passing phase, gathering what you need? Or is it time to smash forward with everything you've got?

Remember that both parts of the pattern have value. The passes aren't wasted time—they're essential preparation. And the smash isn't reckless action—it's the purposeful culmination of your patience.

The simplest truths often carry the deepest wisdom. Pass. Pass. Pass. Smash. Four words that might just change how you approach your next big challenge.