Slow Down To Speed Up

Almost every executive and leader I talk to, including most of my clients, admit that they are in their hamster wheel. It might be golden, but it’s still a hamster wheel.

And the hamster goes like this: Faster, faster!

What most people are not aware of: The wheel is created by the hamster inside. The key to this wheel is also inside. And it is impossible not to catch this key because the wheel is spinning so fast. So how do we deal with that? This part is super counter-intuitive to most of us.

Are you ready? Great. Here is the secret:

SLOW DOWN.

Now you are probably thinking: “How does that help me get anywhere?” I used to think the same. But before you jump back to business as usual, consider this: Slowing down is one of the most effective and lucrative practices out there.

It can transform everything. And here is why - it allows you to:

• have more peace and calm, no matter what happens around you,

• pause to reflect and create instead of just reacting,

• enable yourself to learn and adapt,

• upgrade the quality of your thinking, decisions, and interactions.

• elevate your effectiveness and impact.

A Misconception And A Paradox

A common misconception about Slowing Down is that you lose momentum.

And it is not the case. The exact opposite is true.

You are not slowing down to a degree where you lose momentum. No.

It creates more momentum! It's a paradox.

Here is an example: Imagine, when you’re riding a bicycle.

And you are in one of those gears - your legs are moving fast but you are not moving too far.

Slowing down is upgrading those pedal strokes.

Upgrading those questions you’re asking yourself.

Now you’re in a different gear - your legs are moving slower.

But your momentum is taking you further.

What most people don't get:

The more you can slow down, the faster you will reach your goal, and create your vision and the desired future.

Here is a mantra for you:

SLOW DOWN TO SPEED UP.

Here is your assignment

Slow down when you walk. Slow down when you talk. Give yourself more time to listen and slow that down too.

E.g. When you hear something and want to answer - slow that down. Think for a moment. Take your time! Give yourself the luxury of time. It is OK.

Slow down your breathing. When something triggers you and you want to react - slow ... down! And breathe. You can do the same when you are doing something for fun. When you are eating, drinking your coffee, or walking your dog. You got the idea.

Imagine, you gave the person in front of you some time to answer your question. They said something and now they are quiet still thinking. Instead of jumping in, count down to 10. You will be amazed at what happens when you let people think (I do it professionally and it is pure magic).

And allow yourself to enjoy the moment a little bit more. Be a little bit more in that present moment. The present moment has something remarkable. This is where your flow lives. This is where your inner peace, peak productivity, and top performance live. This is where you can create amazing things.

Slow at least some of that down and see what difference it will make.

You can do this. I believe in you.

Are you ready to step off the hamster wheel? Let’s talk about making ‘slowing down’ your most powerful discipline.

Let's talk. We can slow down together.

👋 My name is Alexander

➡️ I coach #executives, #leaders, and #teams,

supporting them to get from good to great

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photo Matt Bero, Unsplash