The waiting phase prevents a person from growing mentally

    Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "The waiting phase prevents a person from growing mentally", the main reason why I choose that topic because not everyone is aware about the phase where they get into it, If we pay attention, those who do not pay attention to the direction in which their life is developing, they tend to enter a waiting phase,  The waiting phase is often a period of uncertainty, yet also a transitional space for growth. Psychologically, this is not merely a pause in time, but a mental state in which a person feels their life is being ‘held back’ by external factors or unresolved decisions.

The following are the factors that cause a person to enter this phase and how psychology views them:

Factors Leading to the Waiting Phase

 *Ambiguity of Purpose: Uncertainty regarding the next step following an achievement (for example, after graduating or completing a major project).

 *External Dependency: Waiting for validation or a decision from another party, such as recruitment results, bureaucratic approval, or a response in an interpersonal relationship.

 *Defence Mechanism (Avoidance): Sometimes, waiting becomes a form of subconscious procrastination to avoid the risk of failure that might occur if they move forward.

 *Lack of Resources: Feeling that one does not yet have sufficient capacity (financial, mental, or skills) to begin the next stage.

Psychological Perspectives on the Waiting Phase

In psychological discourse, this phase is often viewed from several key perspectives:

1. Liminality (The In-Between Space)

The concept of liminality describes the condition of being ‘on the threshold’. A person is no longer in their old position, but has not yet reached the new one. Psychology views this as a crucial transitional period for identity formation, though it is often accompanied by anxiety due to the loss of clear structure.

2. Uncertainty Tolerance

Cognitive psychology highlights how each individual responds to uncertainty. Those with low tolerance tend to experience severe stress and perceive the waiting phase as a threat. Conversely, individuals with high tolerance view it as an opportunity for reflection.

3. Expectancy Theory

According to Victor Vroom, a person’s motivation is heavily influenced by the expectation that their efforts will yield results. During the waiting phase, if the link between ‘effort’ and ‘outcome’ becomes unclear, a person may experience a drastic drop in motivation or even learned helplessness.

4. Existentialism: The Search for Meaning

From the perspective of logotherapy, the waiting phase is a moment in which the individual is tested to find meaning amidst emptiness. Rather than viewing it as wasted time, this approach suggests transforming ‘waiting time’ into ‘preparation time’ to maintain internal control over one’s life.

Important Note: The waiting phase becomes destructive if it turns into total passivity. Psychology suggests continuing to perform ‘Micro-Actions’—small actions that remain under personal control—to maintain mental well-being during this period.