I was talking to a client, and an amazing leader recently, and we were discussing the notion of speed through which we move through life and work. We reflected that speed is not a factor of going fast, or slow, but how we can move through life more deliberately. This lens allows us to consider different approaches to situations. We are able to think about what the situation calls for and chose either to speed up and execute, or slow down and chose an approach that supports the situation. We move from reacting, speeding through, or being swept up, and are able to observe it, listen to ourselves, and then change the speed not only for the best outcome, but also in mindset of positive energy, versus burnout and overwhelm. We can refrain from making decisions from a fear-based, or reactionary place, when often the outcome is not effective, or sustainable.
Giving ourselves permission to slow down, and pause is the first step. Then being able to ask questions that can help guide us to better choices and move through life with more ease and harmony. Here are some questions to consider when taking a pause:
Am I doing things to distract myself from slowing down and feel the need to be “productive”?
Do I feel the need for speed to prove value to myself, and others?
Am I afraid of what I might feel if I slow down?
Am I afraid of what I might miss out on if I slow down?
Where are my opportunities to grow, learn and change my approach to speed?
What I am feeling, doing, or thinking when I am moving fast, or feeling burnout?
What feelings or patterns do not serve me, and I can let go of?
When we reflect answer these questions for ourselves, we can change our approach to how we feel and will move through life with more clarity, freedom, and flow to make decisions. We can create a discipline and ask for other’s support for helping us be accountable to slow down. When we do this, we change our lens on the notion of speed, and make intentional choices in times that we need to accelerate, and execute, and chose times to slow down when appropriate. With this awareness and balance, we reprogram our minds, which informs the brain to move through life differently. We will feel, BE, and move differently in life, and are flexible in situations to listen and take care of ourselves. Taking time to slow down is not selfish, it is selfless, and we are able to make positive impact in the world.
All of this takes practice, discipline, a shift in mindset, and confidence and you don’t have to go it alone. I would love to help. www.facetscoaching.com