The Value of Slowing Down our Work

Throughout our professional lives, we are often taught to value speed and efficiency believing that accomplishing tasks quickly is paramount. This rush to do more and move faster is built into leaner processes, more efficient systems and the competencies we look for in our people. But a focus on speed and efficiency can lead us to overlook the most valuable opportunities our careers and lives offer. As we hasten through our days, we fail to appreciate the simple beauty of living.

Slowing down allows us to rediscover the significance of life and work’s seemingly inconsequential moments. When we take our time, connections with others turn into support mechanisms, mentorships, friendships, and life lessons. A job well done becomes a source of team celebration and profound pleasure. When we grant ourselves and those we lead the gift of time, we give time to indulge our curiosity, innovate, savour the moment, appreciate the world's wonders, connect with others, and explore who we are and why we are here more fully.

A slower pace at work does not imply passivity, inefficiency, or slothfulness. Instead, it enables us to be more selective and focused with our time and to fully appreciate each passing moment. Even in situations that appear to demand haste, taking a few moments to slow down can help us centre ourselves before moving forward. This mindful approach allows us to gradually eliminate commitments and activities that do not truly benefit us, in the workplace and beyond. The extra time we gain might initially seem like vast, empty stretches of wasted potential. However, as we embrace a slower pace, we realise that this time can be filled in a constructive, fulfilling, and meaningful way. We can relish our morning rituals, linger over quality time with those we care about, immerse ourselves wholeheartedly in our work, and seize opportunities to nurture ourselves daily.

Avoiding the temptation to rush can be challenging, especially in a world of instant communication, endless meetings and overflowing agendas. Yet, the sense of continuous accomplishment we might feel from constant busyness will quickly be replaced by contentment when we slow down. Our relaxed tempo will open our minds and hearts to deeper levels of awareness, helping us discover the true joy of being alive and fully and authentically engaged in our professional and personal lives.

I. See. You.

P. S. What is the one step you could take today to intentionally slow down your work or that of your people and create new opportunities in the process??