Slow Down!

When my wife and I became "empty nesters" last year, we developed a ritual of playing cards (usually gin rummy) after dinner, while enjoying tea and dessert. Typically, dessert consists of an assortment of chocolates that have accumulated in our pantry over time, and we indulge in a few. My favorite are the Lindt chocolate truffles, which have been in abundance lately, as we purchased a large quantity for our kids before they went back to school—though neither of them took any with them.

The thing is, I don’t just eat the Lindt truffles. I prefer to enjoy them slowly, letting each one melt in my mouth so I can savor the taste for longer (and reduce the urge to eat more). However, this has become a point of contention with my wife (and our kids, when they’re home), as they find the sound of this technique (and the bulge of chocolate in my cheek) a bit annoying—they’d much prefer if I just ate the truffles like a normal person.

Well, today I’m making my case for the slow method—not just for Lindt truffles, but for life (and work) in general. Of course, there are certainly times when speed matters (and is required), but sometimes, we all just need to slow down. Here's a few reasons why.

1. Improved Focus. Slowing down helps reduce distractions and allows us to focus on the task at hand. When you’re not rushing, it’s easier to give your full attention to what you’re doing, leading to higher-quality results. Perhaps that has something to do with my gin rummy winning streak. Just saying. ??

2. Increased Creativity. When we slow down, we allow our minds to wander and think more freely, which can lead to greater creativity and problem-solving. Rushing stifles innovation, while a slower pace encourages out-of-the-box thinking. You can't rush great ideas.

3. Better Decision-Making. Going slow allows time for reflection, enabling you to weigh options more carefully. It leads to more thoughtful and informed decisions, reducing the chances of regretting impulsive choices (like eating too many chocolate truffles).

4. Better Health. Slowing down helps reduce stress, which positively impacts both physical and mental health. It can lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and reduce the risk of burnout. (I'm hoping this counter-balances the chocolate calories. ??)

5. Increased Appreciation. Taking your time fosters greater gratitude. When you move slowly, you’re more likely to notice and appreciate the small details in life — whether it’s the taste of a Lindt truffle, the beauty of nature, or the joy of a meaningful conversation.

There are certainly times when speed matters. And as my wife and kids have pointed out, the slow approach can sometimes be annoying. However, not everything in life is a race to the finish. If we can just take a moment to slow down, perhaps we’ll enjoy the journey a little more.

As always, I hope you enjoyed this post. Please feel free to share it with others who might find it interesting, and share your thoughts by commenting here.