Tom Brady, H.A.L.T., & You

“Never make an important decision when you’re hungry, angry, lonely, or tired,” goes some good advice, “and those four conditions spell HALT.”

Sunday evening after that Divisional loss to the Rams, Tom Brady faced questions —

Reporters seemed to ask the same question over and over, “Are you coming back?”

“I haven’t put a lot of thought into it,” Brady responded. “We’ll just take it day by day.”

The media pushed back. Surely Brady’s given it thought. It would be impossible not to, right?

“Truthfully, guys, I’m thinking about this game,” Brady reiterated. “And, I’m not thinking about anything past five minutes from now.”

This may seem like a simple case of Brady not wanting to talk about leaving the game that he loves, but it’s more:

It’s an example of the simple rule of decision-making, and it teaches a major lesson in emotional intelligence.

What is the simple rule of decision-making, and how can you put it to work to help you and your business? [https://www.inc.com/justin-bariso/tom-brady-retirement-emotional-intelligence-how-to-make-better-decisions.html]

— That article summarizes much as it answers that question by saying, “Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary emotion.”

I’d add a third and ancient pair of helpful points of guidance when facing big decisions —

In an abundance of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14)

The way of fools is right in their own eyes, but the wise listen to advice. (Proverbs 12:15)

— Somebody say “Amen” and let’s remember to apply all of this. Deal?