You can be slow AND successful.
You’re a solopreneur, self employed professional, urban warrior, tribe leader etc. What’s one of the most frequently asked question’s you get from curious friends and family? Bless them, in at the top has to be “How’s work? Busy?” to which you might feel compelled to respond, “yeah busy, doing really well thanks”. The association and the emphasis on busyness equating to success.
The coupling of running around like a headless chicken and being a success pair off and the antiquated belief gets re-enforced.
Today’s city culture and slowing down aren’t the best of friends, society makes it a difficult prospect. It’s not the norm. There can be overwhelming guilt around performing at anything slower than the pace of a cheetah when you own your own business.
Try these and alleviate this a little:
1. Drop the guilt.
No…seriously. That voice that says “well if I do slow down i’ll loose out to my competitor, clients will think I don’t care if I don’t return their email this second” It’s nuts. Guilt around being un-busy is the voice of your inner critic and the echos of other peoples projected agendas. Enough.
2. Solar plexus breathing.
Starving your brain of oxygen which is what you’re essentially doing when you’re “head-rushing” insights panic, both in the mind and in the body. Learn to breathe properly, it’s simple and will change your life. The wonderful Head Space can help you here: http://www.getsomeheadspace.com/Tools/Take10
3. Screw “should”.
Should belongs to the language of incongruence, never mind should, what do you WANT to do and at what pace is a natural fit for you? It isn’t a race, no matter what stories you make up about it. Be brave enough to listen to and to act on your instincts.
4. A driving metaphor:
Spending time in the slow lane allows you to really observe what’s around you, in the landscape of your life. Don’t like what you see? Change direction, turn off, much easier when you are travelling at a speed that allows you to take the exit. If you’re hurtling along at a solid 90mph, you’ll never know (remember the wise words of Ferris Bueller?). If you have a tendency to drive flat-out, you may want to ask the question, “what is it I’m speeding away from and why am I afraid of it catching up with me?” Just saying.
I hope you find your natural pace. Remember, you are amazing no matter what speed you move at. If you’d like to explore this or anything else that might be holding you back from your true-magnificence, get in touch.
what a wonderful reminder… thank you! you just made my day !
Thanks Evy, simple stuff right? But so easy to forget too. Thanks for taking the time to comment, much appreciated!
Thank you Phil for taking the time to reply !
Yes it is amazing how easily we can get drifted away from our essence and presence, living in reaction mode rather than in a conscious and intentional action mode. Plus, missing out on the beauty and gifts of the process…
What you invite us to explore is a way of being that is essential if you consider one’s health to be a global one (Body & Mind) and that is definitely accessible through inner work.
Being a Yoga practitioner and teacher too, I love the fact that you recommend headspace and meditation ! such a fundamental and healthy practise…
thank you
I liked your text, your words I´d love to hear more. I believe quality is more important and live and work are connected.
You are what you work through living.