I have this lingering summer cold, complete with a hacking cough that has overstayed its welcome by at least a week.

Soon enough, Ill be back at 80% or whatever my typical efficiency rating is, so theres no need for self-pity.

When we get sick of being sick, generally, its a good sign. We have whatever is tormenting us on the run, and were ready to make a comeback, so overall, my spirits are improving.

But there is a point between illness and health, a forbidden zone, in which we shouldnt bother trying to get any serious or subtle work done, because well probably do more harm than good.

For example, I just dispatched an email declining an invitation to network tonight at a trade association mixer. I think my note may have sounded a little terse, uptight. I know for a fact it wasnt all that friendly, and certainly not chatty.

Why did I send it? The mixer is TONIGHT, so I waited, as it was, and not replying would have been even ruder.

But now, I have two serious business building relationships that I should attend to.

Because my voice is a little froggy and Im coughing, I dont want to use the phone. But if I opt for email, again, Ill probably come across brusquely, and thats not my intention.

So, what to do?

Sometimes WAITING is the best thing, though Im itching to accomplish something, having sacrificed lots of hours over the last three weeks to this cold. But if I rush into action, I know Ill misspeak and regret having done it.

This is where Zen and business instincts either converge or diverge, depending on your viewpoint. Practitioners of Zen and readers of the Tao have heard the ancient probative question:

CAN YOU WAIT UNTIL YOUR MUD SETTLES?

Put silt into a glass and stir it with a spoon and youll see what this aphorism means. If you wait a proper amount of time, the top portion of the glass will clear up and youll be able to see exactly where youre going.

If I wait, Ill have the energy and voice to use the phone, a tool that both of my prospects prefer, judging from their behaviors, and one that also gives me certain advantages.

If I rush, Ill have to settle for email.

Is there a middle way? you might wonder.

There is. I can email both of them and suggest having a phone chat a few days from now.

This way, I can act, and demonstrate continuing interest in building relationships.

But I wont overdo it, running the risk that fatigue or my cold will do the talking and ruin what was nearly ripe.

Doing what you can, when you can; no more and no less, is helped along immensely by waiting.