55 in Towing & in Life

One of the first lessons of towing an Airstream trailer, or any trailer, is to drive slightly under the posted speed limit. In California, it is 55 mph for trailers, even though the speed limit might be 65.

The reason you need to go slow is that you need more time to stop and maneuver when you have 4,500-pound machinery attached to your vehicle. This way, when there is a hazard on the road, you have some buffer and time to brake.

Once, while towing on the highway, I saw someone's car and trailer stopped in the fast lane. They were jackknifed and facing oncoming traffic with cars driving around them. I was in the slow lane, along with the caravan of Amazon semis. I wasn't sure how the accident happened, and I peeked over to the car to see if anyone was in it. But the vehicle was empty. The scene made my heart race, and I was extra careful continuing my journey by keeping a slow and steady pace of 55 mph.

In life, it's difficult to anticipate the changes ahead when you're moving so fast. So, rather than making decisions based on all of the information available, you act based on a deadline. On the other hand, creating a buffer by slowing down can have far-reaching positive impacts because you're not acting out under duress.

But who has the time to slow down in this busy era we are living in?

Life requires us to play various roles as caregivers, employees, managers, partners, friends, and community leaders, all at the same time. Our to-do list is long, and our minds are always racing.

Slowing down for a few minutes daily is not a new concept. The purpose is to create time and space for you to think strategically and be prepared for the day. An added benefit is that slowing down helps increase well-being at work and in life. You've probably read that mindfulness and writing in a journal minimize stress and anxiety.

The reality is that it doesn't have to take you a long time to stop and reflect.

Last year, I began experimenting daily with a version of towing at 55 mph. I started a "5-5" rule. The result is that I've felt less stress throughout the day because I have clarity.

The 5-5 rule is to take a few minutes at the beginning of the day to slow down my mind.

It goes like this.

Before opening an email or anything else on my phone or computer, I take five minutes to write down the things that are pulsing through my mind. It is a to-do list, thoughts about an upcoming presentation, or a personal issue causing me stress. I write it all down, put it away, and start my day.

Sometimes, I go back to these moments I've captured and see if there's anything I can learn. Other times, I realize they are thoughts that need to be released and serve no purpose.

In the past several months, I've reaped the benefits of this exercise. I feel less stressed and better prepared to handle what the day has to offer.

When I don't do this exercise in the morning, I find a time later in the day. After all, I need braking time because I'd rather be slower and more prepared than jackknife into oncoming traffic.