They say the day we die we'll have over 30 emails in our inbox, an unfinished to-do list and voicemails we have not returned. The fact is, we'll never get it all done, no matter how much we do, so we might as well slow down and enjoy the ride. "But how can I slow down?" you might say, "when I have bills to pay, projects at work to finish, kids to raise and a to-do list as long as the Great Wall of China. If I slow down won't my productivity go down the drain?"
Actually, the research says, "No." People who take short breaks throughout the day have more overall accomplishments and get more done. Those who focus on energy management more than time management have more energy and are able to accomplish more in less time and take on their day with a smile instead of a frown.
Slowing down and enjoying the ride is a combination of attitude and habits. You only have one ride through life so you might as well enjoy it. This isn't Disney World where we get as many rides as we want and we certainly don't want a fast pass. Slowing down and enjoying the ride means we stop, take a deep breath and savor the special moments in our life and realize that every moment is special. It means to simply be grateful that I can do even the most basic of things such as walk and talk, write, eat, share, laugh, smile, pray and live.
Slowing down and enjoying the ride means that even in the midst of harried deadlines, pressure, stress from work, and our desire to accomplish and succeed that we stop and enjoy the ride.
When we slow down and enjoy the ride, we not only have more fun, ironically we create more success. Slowing down is one of the hardest things to do but when we do, instead of swimming against the current of life it allows us to ride some awesome energy waves and accomplish more in less time and cruise through life with a smile on our face.
Action Steps
1. Remind yourself each day that you only have one ride through life so enjoy it.
2. Schedule one to three 10-minute breaks each day to recharge your batteries so you'll enjoy work and life more and get more done.
I work from my home office and try to sneak upstairs a couple times a day to see my little baby girl. She just smiles when I enter the room and I know it won't last forever. She re-energizes me so I can get back to work. Thanks for the post!