What happens when we rush; does it afford us the ability to embrace the rhythm of life?

It is an unfortunate fact of human nature that when we are in a hurry, we tend to do things too fast. “Too fast” is, by definition, the speed above which we start to lose control and mistakes start to happen.

Another tragic fact of human nature is that the faster we do things, the more impatient and accelerated we become. This is Newton’s First Law of Motion (also called the Law of Inertia) in its psychological manifestation. Whereas mechanical objects tend to slow down under the effect of friction, the mind has no friction, so once it starts accelerating it becomes – unless we consciously put the brakes on – like a rocket hurtling through space with nothing to slow it down.

I have had the pleasure of spending time with some of the most charming and devoted supporters recently, which inspired me to pause and consider the consequences of feeling hurried and rushed. We live in a hectic world where mindfulness is encouraged but can be difficult to implement when we need it the most.

Being in the present moment, and focused on what we are doing reduces time pressure and can benefit performance. This can be much easier in theory than practice when we've trained ourselves to stretch our technical capacities to the limit. I write this piece not only as a reminder to myself but also to others.

"Concentrate on counting your blessings and you’ll have little time to count anything else." - Woodrow Kroll

Cherish time with family (either blood-related or by choice)

Dance and laugh like no one is watching

Get yourself moving to energise the body, mind, and spirit

The truth is, the only thing we can truly control in this world is ourselves in the present moment. Yet, we so often find ourselves consumed by a futile attempt to exert dominance over external factors that are simply beyond our influence. This ironic outcome of overthinking and overanalysing is a common human tendency, one that only serves to intensify our feelings of stress, anxiety, and a pervasive sense of being rushed or hurried. When we get caught up in this mindset, it can affect every aspect of our lives, from our work and productivity to our relationships and overall well-being.

However, the solution to this predicament is quite simple - we must learn to simply be in the moment and focus on the task at hand, drawing upon the skills and knowledge we have cultivated through deliberate practice and training. Whatever domain that requires nuanced expertise, the key is to move beyond knee-jerk reactions and instead respond with intentionality and presence. By grounding ourselves in the here and now, we can maximise our effectiveness and make the best possible choices, rather than succumbing to the distraction and pressure of factors outside our control. At the end of the day, the only thing we can truly command is our own focus, attention, and commitment to the present - and it is in this focused state that we can truly thrive and excel. By embracing this mindset, we can free ourselves from the shackles of overthinking and find greater peace, productivity, and fulfillment in all that we do.