"It is better to sleep on things beforehand than lie awake about them afterwards"

Deliberation before action is a hallmark of prudence. Baltasar Gracian’s wisdom suggests that careful consideration prior to making decisions prevents anxiety and regret later. The recommendation is not simply about physical sleep, but about allowing time for reflection, letting decisions mature in the mind before committing to them. When faced with dilemmas or important choices, impulsive actions may satisfy immediate desires but often sow seeds of worry or remorse. Instead, pausing, contemplating various outcomes, and possibly letting a night pass can offer clarity and emotional distance.

Procrastination is not the message; rather, it is thoughtful delay for the sake of making wiser decisions. The mental rest achieved by stepping away and “sleeping on” a matter can prevent the kind of overthinking or persistent worry that surfaces when regrettable outcomes arise. Once an action is taken without appropriate caution, the mind can become imprisoned by second thoughts, replaying decisions and imagining alternate outcomes, a state of lying awake, restless and troubled.

Gracian’s advice is rooted in self-management, safeguarding one’s peace of mind. To “sleep on things beforehand” is to give issues the attention and foresight they require, reducing the likelihood of future distress. Sound decisions, born of contemplation and patience, stand firmer against the hindsight-based pangs that often disturb sleep.

In a world driven by speed and urgency, this reflection challenges the value of haste. Genuine tranquility is found not in avoiding difficult decisions, but in making them with confidence and care. By creating space for thoughtful rumination, one not only improves the quality of choices but also preserves the serenity that comes from certainty. Ultimately, choosing to reflect before acting ensures restful nights, free from regret, and strengthens character through mindful decision-making.