Don't Miss an Article
Join thousands of other innovators receiving our newsletter.
Waiting for Feedback
- John Miller
Gatha
When I’m waiting to hear back, my mind starts to fill in the gaps.
If I assume the worst, I create tension. If I keep checking, I lose focus.
So I notice the pull, and return to what’s in front of me, until the answer comes.
Reflection
The quiet after asking for feedback can start to feel like information.
A late reply becomes a sign. A short message becomes a story. No reply becomes proof of something that has not actually been said.
The pull is understandable. Feedback matters. Knowing where you stand matters.
But when the mind starts filling in the silence, waiting becomes a second task.
You are no longer just waiting for an answer. You are managing the story you have built around not having one.
Checking again may feel like control, but it rarely makes the answer arrive sooner. Assuming the worst may feel like preparation, but it often spends attention before anything has happened.
This moment is not about pretending the feedback does not matter. It is about noticing when uncertainty starts choosing for you.
Notice the pull. Return to what is in front of you. Let the answer arrive when it arrives.
So, while you wait: come back to the work you can actually touch.
Visit the full Gathas@Work collection
PDUS/SEUS
This article counts toward .25 PDUS/CEUS. Get more credits by reading more articles 👉
Enjoyed this post? Let’s keep going.
Whether you're leading a team, managing a product, or transforming a classroom, I have resources to help you work smarter and get real results.
Click below for what works for you:
Free Resources
More Articles
Engaging Workshops
About John
Hey, I’m John. I help leaders, educators, and product innovators work smarter and build things that matter.
I cut through the noise to bring modern methods that actually work. Whether it’s leadership, product management, or education, the goal is the same—less friction, more impact. No fluff. No jargon. Just real-world insights to help you get better, faster.
💡 What You’ll Get Here:
✔ Smarter ways to lead and collaborate without the micromanaging
✔ Fresh, no-nonsense takes on modern work and education
✔ Tools and tactics to make work easier, faster, and more effective
Work doesn’t have to be chaotic.
Let's connect!