A Wrinkle in Time once came up in a meeting. Someone asked, “What would your future self tell you to say if you came back to this meeting?”

We’ve all wished for a do-over. To have shared our hunch that turned out to be right, or not shared a comment based on what we felt in that heated moment. Sometimes it’s as simple as wishing we’d been more kind, humble, confident, or maybe just patient enough to silently pray for God’s blessing on each person in the room.

Since redoing reality is not a gift we’ve been given, here are seven ways to do better in the moment:

1. Be slow to speak. To consider our words is to not regret saying them. 

2. Be comfortable with ourselves. We’re here because we bring something of value.

3. Ask God for the gift of perspective, and exercise that gift with grace and humility. 

4. Always plan ahead. What might we need to know? Who should we consult on the key issues? What are the implications of this discussion?

5. Prepare before you get there. Write notes to yourself. Highlight what you consider most important. It reduces the stress of trying to remember what matters in the moment.

6. If stress, anger, or fear keep you from speaking, explore where those emotions are coming from. Understanding can lead to overcoming.

7. Love those who take longer to process. There is wisdom in the silence, and often in what follows.