đ§ How to slow down in a life that constantly requires speed.
The case for slow-build and steady growth.
Over 90% of todayâs young generation desire ârapid career progressionâ. But why does everything have to be so quickly earned? Some stories have shown how speed could be overrated and consistency is the true protagonist.
And more than just taking breaks, what does âslowing downâ actually mean? How can we achieve more with less speed?
A faster way to succeed
While many life coaches and social-media influencers praise the hustle lifestyle, successful leaders and entrepreneurs who have actually made it know that slowing down builds a better foundation for their achievements.
Kute Blackson, the go-to mindfulness guru for some of the worldâs wealthiest people, strongly believes in fulfillment over fast gains. Here are the 4 reasons why slowing down actually accelerates your success:
Greater clarity. Too many people work tirelessly down a path that won't give them the results they actually look for. Reflect on your intentions and observe the challenges or opportunities showing up in front of you.
Health over success. You can't keep working and creating the life you want if you aren't able to perform. If your goal is to succeed, then you should be willing to take the time to honor what your mind, body, and spirit need to stay healthy.
Power of emotion. Emotions are a guide, and they help you take inventory of what's happening in and around you, and how best to respond. If you're erratic and hustling all the time, emotions will get the best of you and you'll act on it.
Better decisions. A single wrong decision can undo all the work youâve invested. When you slow down, you lower your baseline for mental stress, allowing your mind to absorb information and assess the circumstances well.
Read the full Inc article on how slowing down helps you reach success faster here.
One step at a time
Nine years ago, Stephen Moore, Editor at Index, decided to ditch the rapid career for the slow build. Within those 9 years, he dabbled across a wide range of separate ventures, such as entrepreneurship and writing.
The main thing he learned about this experience, is that:
When you forget about what age you should have âmade itâ by and stop focusing on rapid progression, you free yourself from expectations.
With that weight of expectation off his shoulders, he then got to concentrate on doing things right and maximizing the lessons learned from it, both about his craft and himself. A few tips heâd like to share that would be worth a try include:
Take just an hour of your time each day to yourself, and dive into the things you love doing.
Reach out to someone once a dayânot to boost your career, but to make connections that are beyond just transactional.
Allow yourself to follow your curiosities, and take on new and exciting opportunities when they arise.
Find more valuable insights in Mooreâs brief summary of his journey in this Medium article.
Tuning out the noise
Itâs ironic that when little children start to throw a fit, weâre quick to recognize that itâs due to overstimulationâtoo much noise, too many people, too much to manage. Adults then will try to calm them down by putting them to sleep. But as we grow up, we tend to overlook the signs of stress and overwhelm on ourselves.
Worry not, as you can practice slowing down to get back in tune with your inner child with these 7 changes:
Shift your focus on quality relationships.
Press the reset button and put yourself to bed.
Take a break from the information cycle.
Practice mindful eating.
Check in with your emotions.
Highlight your personal achievements rather than status.
Cultivate a healthy environment.
Learn more about each way you can practice slowing down your day in the complete Mindful article here.
Have you fallen victim to chasing that fast life?
We shared this weekâs Monday Mavens edition in hope to shed a light on savoring each moment and not rushing through your productive and critical years.
If you thought of anyone who would benefit from this edition while you read through it, be sure to let them know!
Weâll see you next week.