Do you love working like the speedy hare?
Or are you the slow and steady tortoise type?
Either way they can both be a winner when you know your own pace and honor it.
I love working.
Getting my hands and brain wrapped around a new project and getting it done. The problem is that I also tend to wear myself down. Then I’m no good for anything or anybody else in life. I might finish but I’m ready to collapse.
While it seems counter productive, I’ve found slowing down can actually help get there faster. Instead of pushing myself harder, I intentionally take a step back. When I do, new ideas and better ways of completing my task without fail find me. I’m able to come back and finish up in less time than grinding away. Plus, I had some fun and made fewer mistakes. My work is even better.
Over the years I’ve learned that while we are all part of the human race, it does not mean we actually have to be in a race. The world does keep spinning whether or not I take the time to rest, push not-as-important projects back a few days, or even just say NO and cross some things off the list. It’s okay to take some time to breathe.
Do you know what your ideal working pace is?
If so, do you take steps to honor and cherish that pace?
If not, how could your day be different if you made time to figure out your ideal pace and honor it?
The pace matters because YOU matter.
Not only will you be more productive in the long run you’ll have a much higher quality of life. When I feel myself getting low on energy – even though I’m determined to finish – I’ll take a break and do 30 minutes of yoga or go out to the barn to see my horse. When I come back I’ve usually figured out a better way to finish plus I feel great. I’ve gotten so many EXTRA horseback rides into my life this way. In the end I’ll remember those rides way more than the project.
Even if you work in an office outside the home you can still pace yourself. In my corporate days I would take a walk or me and my best friend would have “secret bathroom meetings” to blow off steam. I don’t remember what we talked about in there but I will never forget two grown women giggling in the restroom like first graders.
Happy Pacing!
Jennifer