When it comes to what we put out in the world we often have a mindset of wanting to do everything perfectly and as fast as possible. If you have a hope and an intention for a grandiose roll out it can lead to feeling overwhelmed and unable to take any action at all.
Desmond Tutu once said that “there is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” Steps that seem small at first can compound into remarkable results.
Here are 3 reasons why a slow approach is the better option:
1. Going slow allows for course correction. A lot of what we bring to life is based on assumptions and aspirations. Going step by step and doing a first draft pass allows us to check what works and what doesn’t. We can tweak and modify our efforts as needed. We usually need to practise and refine before we get it right.
2. Going slow can actually be faster. Remember the fable of the tortoise and the hare in a race to the finish line? The hare is speeding along and gets so far ahead that it decides to take a nap. The tortoise keeps trucking along, passing the napping hare and crossing the finish line first. We have so many positive associations around being able to turn things around quickly but with a slower more sustainable pace you avoid burning out. If your overall goal is to succeed at what you’re doing then you have to be willing to honour your health and what it is that you need to stay healthy. You can’t work and have the life you want if you aren’t able to perform.
3. Slow and small allows for good. There is a saying that perfect is the enemy of good. A lot of the way we go about things is self imposed and unnecessary. For example, I’ve had clients who set a goal of 1 hour of exercise a certain number of days per week otherwise it’s not enough to count and be “worth” it. However, they only have 30 minutes most days but they continually discard using that time because they don’t see it as having any merit. When they get past that expectation and decide to settle for 30 minutes as “good enough” and a more reasonable goal they typically find that they can stick to it and even end up exercising more overall because the goal feels doable.
A slow approach can be the difference between succeeding and never getting started at all. It can be the difference between thriving and burning out. It can be what helps you build the foundation for your goals. This week I invite you to consider these benefits and identify one step that brings more of a slow approach in your life.
– Coach Liane
