Standing down is an action the military takes to review, regroup, and reorganize. Unfortunately, it often comes after an accident or other tragic event. To stop losses, the military will "stand down" until they are confident they can resume safe operations. Standing down is good for everyone, not just the military. In today's fast-paced world, people seldom take time to stop and reflect on what is happening in their lives. They are not taking time to determine if they are doing things effectively, efficiently, or with the right priority. This article discusses the four key components of standing down effectively: (1) a vision of where one wants to go; (2) the best route to reach one's destination; (3) confirmation that one is on course; and (4) breaks. People also need to stand down in their personal lives. The demands of family and friends, extracurricular activities, meetings and appointments, and unforeseen situations can be overwhelming. Combining work stress with personal stress can be too much for anyone. Taking time to stand down is good for both the individual and the organization.