By Jeff Zircher
February 12, 2025
In today’s fast-paced world, there is an increasing emphasis on quick decision-making. We often hear phrases like “trust your gut” or “act fast before it’s too late.” Early in my career at Caterpillar, I created a self-induced need or compulsion to make decisions quickly. There was a feeling of needing to “get on with it” or quickly make a decision to demonstrate decisiveness. However, research and historical examples suggest that taking time, especially sleeping on a decision—often leads to better outcomes. This blog explores the cognitive, emotional, and practical benefits of pausing before making major choices, backed by scientific studies and real-world applications.
The Science Behind "Sleeping on It"
The phrase “sleep on it” is more than just a saying; it has scientific backing. Sleep is essential for cognitive functions such as memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and problem-solving, all of which are crucial for making well-thought-out decisions.
Memory Consolidation and Problem-Solving
One of sleep’s primary functions is consolidating memories. The brain processes information acquired during the day and integrates it into long-term memory. A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that sleep enhances cognitive performance and helps individuals extract general rules from complex information, making it easier to solve problems effectively (Walker & Stickgold, 2010).
Research from Harvard Medical School has also shown that REM sleep plays a significant role in creative problem-solving. Participants who slept before solving complex puzzles were significantly more likely to find solutions than those who attempted them immediately (Wagner et al., 2004). This finding underscores why taking time, especially with rest, improves decision-making.
Emotional Regulation and Decision-Making
Emotions play a crucial role in decision-making. However, heightened emotions—whether stress, excitement, or fear—can cloud judgment. Sleep helps regulate emotions, allowing for more balanced decisions.
A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that individuals who were sleep-deprived exhibited stronger emotional responses to negative stimuli and had a harder time processing information logically (Killgore, 2010). This implies that making decisions while tired or under emotional distress can lead to rash choices that might not be optimal.
Avoiding Cognitive Biases
Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias (favoring information that supports pre-existing beliefs) and anchoring bias (over-relying on the first piece of information received), often lead to poor decision-making. Taking time to reassess a situation after rest allows the brain to process information more objectively. Studies suggest that individuals who take breaks and revisit decisions later are more likely to correct errors in judgment (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979).
The Risks of Rushed Decision-Making
While some decisions require quick thinking, rushing into major choices without reflection can have serious consequences. Here are a few examples:
- Business & Leadership: Many failed business decisions were made in haste. One well-known case is the rushed merger between AOL and Time Warner in 2000. Executives made the deal without fully considering long-term digital trends, leading to what is now considered one of the worst mergers in history.
- Health & Medical Decisions: Patients who rush into medical procedures without seeking second opinions often regret their choices. A study in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that patients who took extra time to research and consult multiple doctors made better-informed healthcare decisions (Schwartz et al., 2011).
- Personal Finance: Whether buying a home, investing in stocks, or signing a major financial contract, taking time to think often prevents costly mistakes. Studies show that impulse buying, and hasty financial decisions are often linked to emotional states rather than logical reasoning (Rick et al., 2008).
Real-Life Applications of "Sleeping on It"
Decision-Making in Business
Many successful leaders emphasize patience and strategic thinking over impulsive choices. Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, has often discussed the concept of “high-velocity” versus “low-velocity” decisions. According to Bezos, “Many decisions are reversible, two-way doors. But some are one-way doors—those should be made carefully, with deliberation.”
Business leaders who take time to analyze market trends, consult experts, and sleep on critical decisions often avoid costly missteps.
Politics and Public Policy
Political history is filled with instances where leaders either benefited from pausing to reflect or suffered from acting too quickly. One of the best examples of a leader taking time to make a crucial decision was President John F. Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Rather than reacting impulsively to Soviet missiles in Cuba, Kennedy took time to deliberate, consult advisors, and consider diplomatic solutions. His patience ultimately prevented nuclear war.
Personal Relationships and Conflict Resolution
Interpersonal conflicts often escalate due to knee-jerk reactions. Taking time to reflect before responding can prevent unnecessary arguments and foster better communication.
Relationship experts suggest that stepping away from heated discussions, sleeping on issues, and revisiting conversations later often lead to more productive outcomes (Gottman, 2011). This is because emotional intensity decreases with time, allowing for more rational dialogue.
Practical Strategies for Implementing "Sleeping on It"
- Set a Decision Deadline: If a decision is not urgent, establish a reasonable timeframe to process information before making a choice.
- Journal or Write Down Thoughts: Writing about a decision before bed can help organize thoughts and allow subconscious problem-solving overnight.
- Seek a Second Opinion: Discussing choices with trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends can provide alternative perspectives.
- Prioritize Sleep Hygiene: Ensuring quality sleep, free from distractions and interruptions, can enhance the cognitive benefits of rest.
- Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Engaging in relaxation techniques before making a decision can reduce emotional impulsivity and enhance clarity.
Conclusion
In an era where instant gratification is often valued over patience, “sleeping on it” remains one of the most underrated yet powerful decision-making tools. Research supports the idea that taking time—especially incorporating rest—leads to improved cognitive function, emotional regulation, and ultimately better choices. So, as I matured in my roles, and my career, I became much more comfortable “sleeping on it” before making an important or critical decision. I often mentored my team members to do the same. Especially when these decisions were emotionally charged or potentially controversial. There is no sense in rushing on a decision that might impact one’s career.
Whether in business, politics, personal relationships, or finances, history has shown that wise decisions are rarely made in haste. Before making your next big decision, consider taking a step back, pausing, and even sleeping on it. Chances are, your future self will thank you.
Jeff Zircher, MBA, is a seasoned leader in program and project management, currently serving as a Senior Program Implementation Manager at Burns & McDonnell. With over 30 years of leadership experience at Caterpillar Inc., Jeff has held key roles across IT, Logistics & Distribution, Marketing & Product Support, Product Development, and Project Management.
As the leader of Caterpillar’s Enterprise PMO, Jeff oversaw a global team of more than 250 professionals across the U.S., Northern Ireland, England, India, and China. His dedication to advancing project management excellence has been recognized at the highest levels. A member of the PMI Global Executive Council since 2014, Jeff has contributed to the profession through thought leadership and strategic collaboration.
Jeff’s impact extends beyond the corporate world. In partnership with the Children’s Home Association of Illinois, his team was honored with the PMI Educational Foundation – Community Advancement Award in 2016. More recently, under his leadership, the Caterpillar Global Program Management PMO won the prestigious 2023 PMI Project of the Year Award for the battery-electric 793 Large Mining Truck—a groundbreaking achievement in sustainable mining technology.
With a passion for innovation and team development, Jeff continues to drive transformative change in the field of program management.
