STOP Mode

The more I hate stopping and slowing down, the more I need to do so.

For me, as a person of action, the mode is always non-stop. As we all understand, this is destructive, but finding opportunities to stop is incredibly difficult. Therefore, I have come up with several rules for turning on the STOP mode that works for me

S = slow down

T = take a breath

O = observe

P = proceed

? 1. At the beginning and at the end of the working day.

The morning of every day is my sacred time. I set aside half an hour for my own routine, which includes delicious coffee and while I drink it, I prioritize the day. I usually have a plan ready from the evening of the previous day, but with a fresh mind I look through it and make changes, if necessary.

It is critical to make this stop before the brain dives into “that’s all there is to do today.” Ideally, do not check work chats, email, or social networks.

End of the day - what time do I finish my work day? It is especially important to designate clear hours if you work from home. If I continue to work after dinner, how long for exactly? Do not delay after and set a clear stop. Next, do a debrief - what worked and what didn’t?

It is very difficult not to slip into judging yourself, you should not allow yourself to be criticized by yourself, but learn to look at the day without judgment.

? 2. 1-2 times in the middle of the day.

Am I still following priorities? Or did everything go wrong? Why? Get yourself back on track with your plan. Be sure to make one block in your calendar and one, for example, spontaneous activity. Go for a walk, if possible, take a break for physical activity or do a little one-minute exercise for your eyes.

? 3. Change of plan.

Our brain will always resist change because the old is gold, familiar and comfortable. Resistance to change largely stems from attempts for excessive control.

What is out of my control here completely? What was I?trying to control? What could I control that is currently out of my control?

? 4. Mistakes.

It’s a cool (albeit quite time-consuming exercise at first) to have a decision diary. This allows you to analyze errors and answer the question, what could have been done if the mistake/event did not happen? For positive reinforcement, fill in the breakthroughs as well. What did I do that resulted in a positive outcome? This practice is great for any new type of activity - investing, learning a language, learning a new skill.

? 5. Stress.

Stress is my signal that I no longer control the flow of work or any part of my life. And if earlier I thought that under stress I work more efficiently, better, faster, now I understand that this is nonsense imposed by society. This is convenient because it makes it easier to influence and manage a person. But if a person/employee owns a problem, they feel capable to find their own solution.

Now I don’t see the need to adapt to or manage?stress. Therefore, as soon as I feel that I am becoming destructive, I Stop.

Do you make stops? What are your secrets to slowing down? Do you think this is important?