How Slowing Down Helped Me Achieve More
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In 2015, I decided to focus on having more of a work-life balance. It was a big change for me and like many big changes, it was brought on by a major life event. I realized that while I focused so hard on achieving success in my career, I was letting more important things fall by the wayside–like my family, friends, and hobbies. I took a look in the mirror and decided it was time to make a change for the better. It’s something I consciously work on every day and find myself getting better and better at. Today I had the realization of what the key difference I made was: I slowed down.
You might be thinking, “well, that would be great if I had 500 hours in a day!” And that’s how I used to think too. But the truth is, all that stuff you’re cramming into your day probably isn’t as important as you’d like to think it is. And I’m about to drop another major truth bomb: you don’t need more time in your day to slow down and still get the same amount of work done (if not more!).
For a long time, I felt like I was going going going nonstop – and I was. Being that too-busy-for-you businesswoman is not a good look. When it comes down to it, people are always more important than work or things. Success should be measured in happiness and personal fulfillment instead of money in the bank or landing that promotion. Of course success in work is great too, but when you’re going too fast, it loses value and can suck the happiness away. And that’s what was happening to me for a long time.
Instead of rushing to make coffee and immediately start answering emails in the morning, I take a second to enjoy my favorite drink and think about my life, my family and my friends. Then I do a little something for me: I practice my Spanish with Duolingo. It’s something I’d consider a hobby and hopefully one day I’ll be able to say I’m bilingual.
Then, keeping with that same slow pace, I check my emails, flag the important ones, answer the more important ones and then close the browser. Now I’m ready for some more me time: yoga. I do yoga at home thanks to YouTube (currently loving Yoga with Adriene’s 30-day challenge!). After 30 minutes I’m done. At this point, I’ve been up for an hour or less and I feel more refreshed and fulfilled than I ever did when I was frantically trying to get things done. Instead of being burnt out by 10am, I’m ready to tackle my to-do list. I get through those flagged emails and take a break when I feel like I need to. The quality of my work is better when I don’t feel frazzled. I don’t work through meals anymore. Instead, I enjoy them as I talk with a friend or my family.
And at the end of the day, I find myself done with my to-do list earlier than my nonstop work days. Keeping with this relaxed pace isn’t always easy and I don’t always stick to it, but on the days that I do, I’ve found that I get so much more done. I don’t feel overworked anymore and if something doesn’t get done, it will be ok and I will survive. There’s always tomorrow.
How do you achieve more?
Photos by Johnny Cheng.
February 18, 2016 @ 8:57 am
Yes, this is so important! I love just going for a walk to take some time out x
http://my–socalledlife.blogspot.com.au/
February 18, 2016 @ 10:50 am
Yes, going for a walk is great! That’s something I’ve been doing lately too.
February 18, 2016 @ 9:21 am
I’ve been having to learn that lesson (the hard way) as I was in a near-fatal car accident a little over a year ago. So I was forced to slow down, quite literally! Kinda hard to be all gung-ho busy when you’re lying in bed with a broken body. (Better now!) But having a near-death experience put a lot of things in perspective for me. I’ve quit my work on film sets where I’d work 14-20 hour days 5-6 days a week and be sick for weeks afterwards from the sheer stress on my body. I had been trying to move into more geek-related fashion (especially designing and blogging) before then, but having ample time to just sit and think after the accident made me want to focus more on the things that I love. Alas, it doesn’t pay the bills. So I’m in a bit of a conundrum at the moment. But I’m very glad to hear you’ve been able to find balance for yourself. Many do not.
– Briana
http://theladynerd.com
February 18, 2016 @ 10:55 am
Don’t get discouraged – it takes years to be able to live off of blogging! Keep with it, even if you do need to grab a part time job 🙂 I’m glad you’re doing better after your accident! Such a horrible thing to happen, but it’s great that you can draw inspiration and change from the traumatic event. Thanks for stopping by!
February 18, 2016 @ 10:34 am
I definitely needed this! Over the past couple weeks I have been in such a rut with working myself to death and realizing doing so is making me a miserable person (and my employees literallyyy steering clear when I’m on a war path). not.cute. I definitely have to figure out what I take pleasure in (yep, I don’t even know anymore lol) and make some me time in my schedule to slow down and bring the happiness back. Thanks for sharing!!
xoKate
February 18, 2016 @ 11:08 am
It’s so easy to fall into a rut. And much harder to pull yourself out of it! I definitely know what you mean though, even about figuring out what you take pleasure in. Try exploring different hobbies every weekend until you find something you like. Would be a fun journey and story! Good luck – hope you find it!
February 18, 2016 @ 1:59 pm
This is awesome and something that I seriously needed to hear! I am a 100 mph kinda gal and sometimes it just makes life harder! Taking time for your mental health is so important! Thanks for sharing!
xx Annie
http://www.somethingswellblog.com/
February 22, 2016 @ 6:48 am
You’re so welcome, Annie! Sometimes we need that reminder to just slow down and take life in. I hope you can take the time for yourself and really find that balance! 🙂
February 18, 2016 @ 3:49 pm
Rest is so vital to productivity. You really have to take the time to take care of yourself. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
February 22, 2016 @ 6:49 am
Amen, sister! <3
February 18, 2016 @ 4:51 pm
This is a great reminder and I need to implement slowing down so as not get burned out – which feels close to happening!! Email kills me – I need to find a better system for sure:)
February 22, 2016 @ 6:50 am
Ugh, yes! Emails always seem to overwhelm you. I definitely suggest skimming through and flagging the most important ones. The others you can sort through later and not feel so bogged down. Best of luck!
February 18, 2016 @ 5:20 pm
This is so great! With all the social media and trying to start my blog I’m feeling more busy than ever! Thanks for all the helpful tips and reminder to appreciate all the little things 🙂
XO, Lauren
February 22, 2016 @ 6:51 am
You’re welcome! It can be super overwhelming, but if you just take things one step at a time you won’t feel so much pressure. Definitely take some time for yourself to unwind every day!
February 19, 2016 @ 12:33 am
Thoroughly appreciated this post! This is something I’ve been focusing on as well. Setting a routine- and sticking to it- is a game changer, as is carving out “me time.” You go girl! Life is better this way!
Xoxox
Caylie
https://soulpaletteblog.wordpress.com
February 22, 2016 @ 6:51 am
It seriously is! So glad you can relate 🙂
February 19, 2016 @ 10:13 am
I love this. I feel like when we take time for our selves, everything starts working out better. I don’t work during my meals either because then you are not really taking a break.
Work life balance is the best thing we can achieve to have to be able to call ourselves successful 🙂
Great job Megan
– Belen
A Hint of Life (work-life balance inspired blog)
February 22, 2016 @ 6:47 am
Absolutely, Belen! I’m finding more and more how important it is to find that balance. I’m so happy to be learning this lesson now while I’m still young!
February 19, 2016 @ 5:48 pm
Thank you so much for sharing this, Megan! It’s all so so true! I like starting off my morning slow as well. It give me some “me” time and helps me be more productive the rest of the day!
P.S. I’ve been doing Adriene’s 30-day yoga challenge as well! Isn’t it so good?!
February 22, 2016 @ 6:45 am
I totally agree. If I’ve had the time to really center myself for the day, I get SO much more accomplished. Not to mention how much happier I am! And yay! Yes, I’m LOVING Adriene! <3