“Hitting the ground running“; a phrase I first encountered when I moved to the U.S. from Europe. At first, I was puzzled. If you hit the ground, wouldn’t it be wise to first look around and determine where you want to go before you actually start running? Otherwise, you might be sprinting straight into a wall!
Yet, this expression perfectly reflects a common tendency in corporate life: diving straight into action without taking a moment to pause. Speed and decisiveness are valuable, no doubt. But without allowing space for the right thoughts to form, we risk reacting rather than responding, making choices based on instinct rather than insight.
Thinking deliberately doesn’t always mean intense analysis; it can also mean creating the space for deeper answers to emerge on their own. Sometimes, the most effective way to tap into better decision-making isn’t by forcing deep thought but by allowing a moment of stillness. By resisting the urge to respond immediately, we give our minds a chance to bypass snap judgments and access more thoughtful, insightful perspectives.
A Simple Example: The Trick Question That Trips Up Most People
Let’s test your thinking with a quick question: A bat and a ball together cost $1.10. The bat costs $1.00 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?
Most people instinctively say 10 cents. It feels obvious, doesn’t it? But take a moment to slow down and really think. If the ball cost 10 cents, then the bat (which is $1.00 more) would cost $1.10, bringing the total to $1.20. That’s not right!
The correct answer is actually 5 cents, with the bat costing $1.05.
This simple problem demonstrates the difference between two types of thinking: the quick, intuitive response that feels right but is often wrong, versus the slower, more deliberate analysis that leads to the correct answer.
The Science Behind It: Thinking Fast and Slow
Daniel Kahneman, in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow describes these two modes of thinking as System 1 and System 2.
- System 1 Thinking: Fast and Instinctive
System 1 operates automatically and effortlessly. It’s the thinking we rely on for quick reactions, making snap judgments, and navigating familiar situations. It’s efficient and necessary; like when you dodge a car swerving into your lane or recognize a friend’s face in a crowd.
But System 1 also comes with a downside. Because it’s based on heuristics (mental shortcuts from past experiences) it often leads to biases, overconfidence, and incorrect assumptions. Just like with the bat-and-ball question, it gives answers that seem right but don’t hold up under scrutiny.
- System 2 Thinking: Slow and Analytical
System 2, on the other hand, is deliberate and effortful. It’s what we engage when we analyze data, solve complex problems, or make strategic decisions. While it requires more mental energy, it helps us avoid costly mistakes and make more rational, well-thought-out choices.
How to Use This in Everyday Life
Now, I’m not going to bore you with the obvious advice about taking time for big decisions, you already know that. Instead, let’s look at a simple, practical way to apply this insight in your daily conversations.
In everyday interactions, we often feel pressure to respond quickly. Whether it’s answering a question in a meeting, responding to an email, or having a casual chat, we instinctively default to System 1 thinking: fast, automatic, and sometimes careless.
But what if you experimented with a different approach?
Try this: Next time someone asks you a question, resist the urge to answer immediately. Just pause. Don’t think. Don’t rush. Simply sit with the silence for a few moments.
And then something fascinating happens. An answer will surface in your mind. Not just any answer, but one that is often more thoughtful, more insightful, and more deeply rooted in truth. It’s your System 2 at work.
You might not know exactly where this answer comes from, but more often than not, it holds more wisdom than an impulsive response. This small shift in behavior can lead to more meaningful conversations, stronger decision-making, and a greater ability to tap into the full potential of your mind.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between fast and slow thinking isn’t just a fun intellectual exercise, it’s a tool for personal and professional growth. By learning when to trust your instincts and when to slow down and think deeply, you can make smarter choices, have more impactful conversations, and ultimately achieve better results in every area of life.
So next time you’re faced with a question, take a deep breath. Embrace the silence. Let System 2 do its magic. You might just surprise yourself with the brilliance that emerges.