The Hidden Power of Inaction

Ever thought about how inaction is, in fact, a form of action? At first glance, it seems counterintuitive—how can doing nothing be a form of doing something? But stick with me, and let’s unpack this.

My brother once explained this to me in a way that completely shifted my perspective: the decision to not act is, in itself, a decision. It’s just as deliberate as taking action, even if it feels passive. Remember all those New Year’s resolutions you’ve made with grand intentions? The ones you didn’t follow through on? Writing them down was an action, but the failure to follow through—inaction—was also an action. It was a choice.

Let’s make this real. Imagine standing in front of two doors: one marked “Opportunity” and the other marked “Stay Comfortable.” Deciding to walk through the first door is an active choice, but standing still in front of the doors is also a choice. You might convince yourself you’re just thinking things through, waiting for the right time, or avoiding making a hasty decision—but the moment you don’t act, you’ve chosen the second door without even realizing it.

Now, here’s where it gets tricky. Is there even such a thing as not making a decision? If you decide not to decide, aren’t you, in fact, deciding not to? It’s like a paradox—a loop we can’t escape. This realization struck me hard because it made me see how much of life is shaped by what we do and what we don’t do.

Of course, some things are beyond our control—life throws curveballs we can’t predict or prepare for. But when it comes to things within our control—our careers, relationships, personal growth—it’s clear that inaction is just another form of action. If you choose to let opportunities pass by, to stay in a job you dislike, or to remain stuck in a situation that doesn’t serve you, that’s a decision.

So, What Can We Do?

A friend once told me that people naturally lean toward inaction because it feels safe. With so much information and so many choices, it’s easy to get stuck, convincing ourselves that waiting is the best course of action. But is it?

Here’s what I’ve learned: it’s better to start something. Anything. Taking that first step—whether it’s small, messy, or uncertain—is better than standing still.

If you’re in a job you dislike and dream of a career change, start by exploring what interests you. Research new fields, take a course, reach out to someone who’s doing what you aspire to do. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight, but each small action brings clarity and momentum.

The same goes for personal happiness. Feeling stuck in a rut? Begin by choosing how you want to feel. It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly powerful. You can decide to be content, to focus on gratitude, or to pursue joy. Those are decisions you control.

Your Next Step

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by inaction, start small. Choose one thing within your control and act on it. Whether it’s sending that email, signing up for a course, or deciding to let go of something weighing you down, you’re taking a step forward.

Life is a series of actions and inactions, decisions and indecisions. But ultimately, the choice to act—or not—is yours. And that choice is where your power lies.

But then, what about the actions you can’t control but impact you. How do you deal?