A new, more aligned, and inspired way to achieve your goals.
I recently posted a quote by Paulo Coelho that gained traction across LinkedIn. It got me thinking. Is there a deep yearning to slow down? Are we, as a collective, starting to finally wake up to how our urgency culture is depleting our health, wellbeing, and energy? This was the quote...
"Change, but start slowly. Because direction is more important than speed." - Paulo Coelho
If you want to build a great life, slow down. In a world that prizes speed and force, the idea of slowing down can seem counterintuitive. This high-speed chase, while exhilarating, comes at a cost. Anyone can caffeinate, micro-dose, and push hard towards their next goal, but it's not sustainable. Long-term energy comes from alignment.
"Trust the wait. Embrace the uncertainty. Enjoy the beauty of becoming." Mandy Hale
Alignment requires feeling the subtle difference between energy that is driven by anxiety and energy that is driven by inspiration. When your actions are fuelled by anxiety, you may achieve rapid results, but they often drive you to overwhelm and unease. This kind of energy is frantic and forceful, leading to burnout and disillusionment.
Inspiration activates when you pause long enough, break away from the task at hand, rest your mind, and allow yourself the space to find clarity. This kind of energy is productive and invigorating. It allows you to move forward with confidence, knowing that each step you take is in the right direction, even if it's a small one. This is what I like to call 'right action'.
Introducing the 1% path
The Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, which focuses on continuous improvement, complements this idea perfectly. Kaizen emphasises making small, incremental changes—just 1% improvements—that, over time, lead to significant, lasting progress.Â
This approach encourages you to focus on daily habits and minor adjustments rather than drastic, unsustainable overhauls. By embracing Kaizen, you align yourself with the principle of going slower, knowing that these tiny, consistent steps forward can accumulate into substantial achievements.Â
This method not only enhances performance and focus but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and ease, reinforcing the idea that steady, deliberate progress is the true path to building a great life.
"To go slow is to go fast. We live as though there aren't enough hours in the day but if we do each thing calmly and carefully we will get it done quicker and with much less stress." Viggo Mortensen
Five practical steps to slowing down and aligning with your true direction
Set Intentional Goals: Break down your long-term goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Focus on achieving just one or two key objectives each day. This not only reduces the pressure of trying to do everything at once but also allows you to give each task your full attention, leading to better quality work and a greater sense of accomplishment.
Experiment with the Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. This method helps maintain high productivity levels while ensuring you don’t overwork yourself, allowing time for reflection and recharging.
Practice Digital Detox: Set specific times during the day to disconnect from digital devices. Constant connectivity can create a sense of urgency and anxiety. By scheduling tech-free periods, you give yourself the chance to relax, think creatively, and engage more deeply with your present task, activating flow.
Reflect and Adjust Regularly: Take time at the end of each day or week to reflect on your progress and feelings. Ask yourself if the pace you're maintaining is sustainable and if your actions align with your values and long-term goals. Use these reflections to make any necessary adjustments, ensuring that you're continuously calibrating in the right direction, even if it's at a slower pace.
A Commitment To Ease
Slowing down doesn't mean stagnating; it means being intentional and mindful. It's our inner saboteurs that cause most of our distress, creating either procrastination or impulsive action. Both tendencies require us to pause, remind ourselves where we're headed, and then take the next smallest right step.Â
Ask, "What would Inspiration do right now?"
 It's about setting a pace that allows for reflection and alignment at every step. By moving slowly, you give yourself the opportunity to listen to your gut, observe how life is showing up, and ensure that your actions are in harmony with your values and long-term goals.
So today, I dare you to create a more balanced, fulfilling life that aligns with your true direction. Use The 4-Part Flow Cycle to energise your new actions, and learn how to optimise your personal energy. May you flow!
