Slow Down

Photo by Andrea Belussi on Unsplash

I went into Manhattan today to deliver two back-to-back workshops for a client. On the way home, I found myself walking through the city almost missing a picture-perfect fall day because I was power walking through the moment. I had nowhere I needed to be, and yet my default state is to move quickly through whatever I'm doing.

There's a Reel I've seen a few times on social media where a person is rushing through various tasks and then suddenly stops, takes a deep breath, and reminds themselves to slow down. Lately, it has become my mantra.

Slow down.

We don't need to squeeze the maximum amount of productivity out of every moment.

Like right now, I'm sitting at the end of a bar with the doors open, the sun coming in, and a cool breeze drifting through. I'm drinking a glass of rosé and reading an absolutely fantastic book. I had a great day at work. The workshops went well, and I was able to accomplish a lot in between sessions. I worked a full day, handled what needed to be handled, and have absolutely nothing else I need to do right now. And yet I still find it hard to simply enjoy it.

There's a song by Alabama that perfectly captures the feeling:

I'm in a hurry to get things done

Oh, I rush and rush until life's no fun

All I really gotta do is live and die

But I'm in a hurry and don't know...

As someone who has literally written the book on accomplishing big goals and making plans, this week I'm here to remind you that you can do that while also slowing down and enjoying the journey. The next time you find yourself moving quickly for no apparent reason try taking a breath and reminding yourself to slow down.