A Doer's Guide to Slowing Down

I was off skiing last week.

It was so much fun.

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But?as a former compulsive doer and solopreneur, learning to shut off completely took me a while.

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I used to optimize my time and squeeze my agenda to the minute; ironically, I was often late!

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Since overdoers spend a lot of energy, they are prone to burnout.

I learned the hard way that I need to refuel my energy often and keep my tank full.

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Adieu, work hard, play hard!

I won't miss you.

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Skiing refuels me incredibly, and it's a great boost once a year. For context, I skied 45 km in 8 hours following a fast skier - I used to compete when I was young. I love speed and even "pride myself" on my capacity to be lightning-quick.

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But, I wanted to find more accessible and sustainable ways to refuel on a daily basis.?

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So when my coach first suggested that I try slowing down and even being idle, I freaked out.?

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I resisted the whole thing.?

It felt counterintuitive.?

I was definitely slow to embrace this one :)?

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But I gave it a shot and started creating moments where I was unproductive.?

I felt lazy. And that felt even more wildly uncomfortable.?

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Here's a little secret I've been told: Where you feel the discomfort is where there is space for growth.

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I took baby steps at first:?

I turned off my phone to do focus work, which seems obvious to many, but it wasn't for me.

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Then, I stopped checking my phone while waiting in line; this still feels awkward.

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And I stopped doubling down on things, like listening to podcasts while running.

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Oddly, those tiny changes?sparked terrific results: I feel more present to myself.

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That perked up my attention. So I took it up a notch (couldn't resist) and went on a four-day silent retreat—not for everyone, I'll admit.?

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From there, things changed. I ?stopped believing time was my most precious commodity.?

Now, I know it's my attention.

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Finding space "just to be" without distractions has been an?uncanny experiment.

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Sometimes, not doing anything feels boring, but in others, I'll get inspired as if the idea was waiting for me to be still to arrive.?

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My practice is to find moments of stillness in-between moments of voracious curiosity?that lead me down rabbit holes like Alice in Wonderland.?

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I now dare myself with that uncomfortable stillness; sometimes, I stumble on brilliant ideas, and sometimes, I?remember where I left my headphones :)

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Keep Quiet and feel the FOMO.

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Shhhh,?

Agate?

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