Sometimes the move is to wait. Not because you’re scared, but because the other side isn’t done making mistakes.

Waiting gets confused with fear because both look like inaction from outside. There are situations where the position improves on its own: the other side is still choosing, still overcommitting, still saying things they will have to walk back. Moving early interrupts that and gives them something to react to instead.

Ask whether the situation is getting better or worse while you do nothing. If it is improving, wait on purpose and know why you are waiting. If it is getting worse, stop calling it patience and act.