Claire HayekFounder, Mind. Soul. Purpose (MSP) Teambuilding · Pressure-Proof Leadership | Neuroscience-based leadership

Pause and Assess: The 10-Second Technique to Stop Over-Controlling Under Pressure #shorts

5 Oct 2026 · 0 min

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0:26

In this brief YouTube short, Claire Hayek explains a simple mental strategy for people who tend to over‑control situations, especially when under pressure. She advises first becoming aware of the habitual pattern, then deliberately taking a short pause—about ten seconds—to assess whether exerting control is truly necessary. By asking oneself questions like “Do I really need to control every single thing right now?” and considering whether a different response would better serve oneself and others, the viewer can interrupt the automatic over‑controlling impulse and choose a more constructive action.

It's just to be aware of the pattern so you can interrupt it in that moment. Take it, take a break, take a pause and assess the situation and say, okay, I really want to control the situation now. Is this really necessary? Do I really need to control every single thing right now? Or would it serve myself and serve everyone around me better if I actually acted differently? So this is the idea. Once