Not So Fast

Sometimes slowing down allows us to speed up.

It’s a useful paradox to remember. As I opened my computer and it took more than the 5 nanoseconds it normally takes, I was reminded of the computers I used when I first began work. They took much longer to boot and I had developed a routine of getting my morning coffee and thinking about what the day held for me, all while my desktop did its morning machinations.

Nowadays I can find myself frustrated if my machine doesn’t instantly spring to life and I get to start immediately. And, on the 99% of occasions it does start in its usual super-speedy manner, all the work in progress appears and I jump straight back in where I left off.

At risk is the pause for thoughtful consideration of the day ahead, the intentional action, and the purposeful application of energy. This way of work and life can be evidenced in how it can affect the work itself, and more importantly, ourselves. It isn’t sustainable at all levels.

When you’re like me and you love not having to wait forever for your computer to start, it demands we remain conscious of how to slow things down and purposefully maintain the speed we need.

What say you, how have you benefited from the paradox of slowing down to speed up?

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