When to Think ‘All-Out Attack’

It may not sound like a very nice thing to do, to enter into ‘all-out attack’, particularly in the context of relationships. This idea is about optimising our thinking process so we might be more present so as to perform more congruently. We could never perceptively go on the all-out attack if it might hurt someone. We should do it, however, to minimise moments of indecisive acting—times when we don’t perform as we’d expect; times when we later find cause for regret.

I’m intentionally slowing the diction here so as to communicate the idea. This method of thought comes / with / mind—in that, it comes with the conscious mind fully engaged, operationalised with no reflective doubt pending.

All-Out Attack Done In The Planning

Riding my road bicycle back and forth to my workplace on hot days (over 37°C or 100°F) I’ve frequently suffered headaches due to insufficient cooling and hydration. This has happened consistently. So, I planned more frozen water; enough to drink and also enough to pour over my head. I ended my rides cooler and without the headaches.

All-out attack in the planning is simply doing everything we can to improve our momentary operations.

The trouble is the way we think. To solve one problem we implement one solution, when at times it pays to implement several solutions all at once to maximise results—going on the all-out attack.

All-Out Attack Done In The Moment

The bicycling example is pertinent again. Approaching a busy intersection, with drink bottle in hand, and a very narrow window of opportunity to cross, it takes situational poise to put the drink bottle back and negotiate the intersection in one movement. There’s no room for error in doubting because the mind is indecisive.

This is less about self-confidence and more about all-out attack as far as keeping the mind fluid enough that it sees no distractions, and instructs the body perfectly.

Thinking all-out attack is not the thing for every moment, just for important moments; seconds where we can’t afford to make a mistake.

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We pass and fail in life at the level of the mind. Harnessing the power of the mind—in this case, knowing when to think in decisive ways—is crucial in making important differences.

As there’s a time for all-out defence, there’s also a time for all-out attack. Wisdom is in knowing when to apply each. When we can’t afford to doubt, all-out attack is the way to think.

I guess this sort of thinking process is thinking without thought.

© 2012 S. J. Wickham.