Slow down to Speed up

Time, it’s a funny old thing. It goes by so fast, we wish we had more of it and yet, everyone is allocated precisely the same amount in each day and week. How we use our time can be the difference between success and failure, well-being and burnout. Yet, often we focus solely on the first part of that equation, success versus failure and leave the second part to its own devices.

In this fast-paced world, there is a conception that working at high speed, being the quickest and first past the finish line is automatically going to guarantee success. This is not always the case. While there is certainly a case to be made for hard work and dedication, experts and professionals alike are now realising the value of taking your foot off the throttle at times.

Slowing down at work does not give you permission to take loads of time off and sit on the sofa watching endless re-runs of Friends. Like anything in life, this concept works best when planned and implemented strategically.

Slow Morning Routine

You may be a member of the 5 am club, those professionals who believe that they only need a few hours’ sleep and rise extra early so that they can cram in a few extra waking hours into each day.

If this is you, slowing down to speed up might look like taking that first hour or so in the morning for you. No radio or social media, just you, your journal and perhaps an exercise mat. I know that many would scoff at the idea of a slow morning routine, but when you think about it there is seldom a better time during the day to truly connect with yourself and your goals and to just be.

I am a firm believer in no radio first thing in the morning. Early morning radio tends to be dominated by news and traffic reports. Where possible, zoning that out can give you the opportunity to get clear on your intention and clear actionable goals for the day ahead which gives you a head start on everyone else. This is a great time to practice meditation and clear the head for the day ahead.

Slow Decision Making

Another key way that you can slow down to speed up in business is by taking your time over key decisions.

Snap decision makers are given the positive term of decisive, a coveted trait in some professionals who run on listening to their gut. While those who take a little longer to make decisions are called ditherers. Not very flattering, is it?

But where does the optimal position lie when it comes to decision making?

Snap decisions can seem easy when there are only two options to consider. The snap decision maker chooses the best of the two options in front of them and they move on to the next problem that requires their attention. But consider, is there ever only two options? Very rarely is this the case. By buying into this myth, quick decision makers may choose the best option from those presented to them but remain completely unaware of the potentially far superior third or fourth option.

Looking for that third or fourth option requires us to stop and think. You may need to put the decision on hold for a day or so while you consider all options. If you can communicate your intent behind taking this pause to those around you, they will be able to appreciate the worth contained within it, especially when you arrive at an unexpected creative solution.

Slow Relationship Building

Many of us tend to build professional relationships slowly as it is. It is so important to our reputation that it is worth reiterating.

When, in our professional lives, we meet a new contact who we see straight away could be of value to an existing client it is always best to slow down and wait. Take time to get to know your new contact before introducing them to your valuable existing contacts. This deepens your relationship, allows you both to get to know and understand each other and solidifies trust.

Though again, it will take a little longer before you can make the recommendation to your client, and get the recognition for doing so, when you do, both parties will be that much more grateful for the time you invested in building the relationship first.

Downtime

Taking downtime can be one of the hardest things to do for yourself professionally, particularly if it is frowned upon in your industry. Conversely, it is also one of the best things you can do for yourself, both personally and professionally.

When we operate on autopilot opportunities get missed simply because we cannot see the wood for the trees. When this happens both we and our companies can suffer, and we don’t want that.

To secure your downtime, you may need to get comfortable with saying no to your colleagues, your clients and even your boss. We work in complex, challenging environments which demand that we are at our best at all times. If we are working around the clock, that isn’t possible.

Inserting a positive full-stop at the end of your work day gives you time to look after yourself, to do some further study or to take up a hobby. Whether you’re into sports or music, art or gardening, hobbies work our brain in different ways, they expose us to learning situations and expand our skills base which, though not obviously applicable, we may be able to introduce into our work life at some point in the future.

As with sleep, when we take our focus off one project it allows our brain to sort and reorganise the information relating to it. For this reason, we may find the solution to a work predicament lands in our lap while we’re immersed in a completely unrelated activity.

These are just a few ways that slowing down in business can actually help you to speed up and result in great leaps forward. Implementing such strategies can be difficult at first, particularly where your industry is enchanted with the ‘fast is best’ mentality. Remember that clear communication can be your best ally in getting those around you onboard – and as always, the results will speak for themselves.