151 Slow Down To Accomplish More

Slow Down To Accomplish More!

Yup, it sounds backwards, but slowing down is actually a faster way to accomplish more.

Go faster. Do more. Hustle. Hustle. Chase the next level, chase the next shiny object.

I’ve been there myself. I worked way too hard in my twenties. I remember so clearly those days working until 11pm. I even have memories of working until 5am the next day. But then I started to worry. I was afraid that in all my busyness, I would be missing out on the most beautiful parts of life. While many personal coaches and social-media influencers flash their private jets, fancy cars and hustle lifestyle, truly successful leaders and entrepreneurs who are actually happy and creating lasting results in their lives know that slowing down builds the true foundation for their success. It took me a decade to learn the true importance of slowing down to accomplish more and I want that for you. 

I schedule time to do nothing on purpose. I went on vacation with my family and feel absolutely no guilt for not working when I’m on vacation. I encourage you to unapologetically incorporate periods of stillness to help you ensure enhanced productivity and well-being.

When slowing down, focus on what’s truly important in life. When we live busy and distracted lives, we lose sight of the people and things that matter most to us. Slow down and re-evaluate your values and priorities every 6 months or so. Re-evaluate if your current routine is helping you stay healthy, both mentally and physically. 

For example Psychologists and doctors are talking about this new condition called hurry sickness, which is a form of modern day anxiety fueled by our constant state of rushiness, trying to squeeze in just one more thing into your already packed schedules. And this starts first thing in the morning. Do you rush to get up when the alarm rings? Or do you get up slowly from bed? Instead of rolling straight out of bed and into your life, set your alarm clock earlier and take time to welcome the day. Spend a few minutes of gentle stretching on bed, listen to a motivational speech to start your morning, make your bed and remove any rush and set the tone for the rest of your day.

When you drive and get on the road, intentionally slow down and actually drive the speed limit, is it hard? If it’s tough, if you want to beat traffic, if you are thinking about how to beat Google Map by a couple minutes, it’s time to slow down and force yourself to slow down. When you physically slow down you can begin to train your mind to mentally slow down. And when you’re at peace of mind, you’ll start to see sceneries and opportunities you otherwise miss. If you want to go a little further, take some time and spend it in silence. In our noisy world, silence is something we must intentionally choose to do. I’ve gone on silent retreats in the past where we don’t talk for a weekend and let me tell you that until this day that experience is still very eye-opening when I think about it. 

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” 

― Lao Tzu

When you slow down, you are able to make good decisions, and better decisions than if your mind was more occupied. When you slow down and engage in activities that are slower paced like meditation, brain fog clears away and you see clarity and clarity is priceless. Once you stop rushing through life, you will be amazed how much more life you have time for. You will be amazed how much more productive you become because now you value your precious time more, leaving your precious time for your true values and priorities. 

Slow down and be your best. Life is not a race. It’s a playground to radiate your uniqueness and shine your light.

So have fun on your journey to slowing down yet accomplishing more.