This immortal advice from the Bard appears in the first scene of Shakespeare’s play “Henry VIII.” When the Duke of Buckingham expresses dislike for a character he thinks is manipulating the king, the Duke of Norfolk cautions him to proceed carefully and not to let his anger best him. Hundreds of years later, this suggestion is still a good one for all of us to take to heart. Hasty action rarely leads to successful results; in stepping back from a situation and pausing to think, we gain insight and perspective that can help us choose the smartest course.