The Importance of Slowing Down

As business owners, we often feel the pressure to constantly hustle, grind, and push ourselves to the limit. The fast-paced world of entrepreneurship can be exhilarating, but it can also be exhausting. In the pursuit of success, we often neglect our own well-being and fail to take the time to slow down and recharge. However, just like in working out, slowing down can actually be more effective in the long run. In this post, we’ll explore the importance of slowing down as business owners, and the similarities between slowing down in business and working out. 

I’ve had a love-hate relationship with working out for most of my life. Who hasn’t, right?! About fifteen months ago I flipped the script and changed the way I look at my life and the lifestyle I wanted to live. I needed a change physically and mentally. I reconnected with my friend and health coach, David Martin, and we began our relationship that has evolved into one that is not only in coaching with fitness and nutrition but one that has also supported my mindset and overall well-being as a man and business owner. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced world of business. We’re constantly bombarded with emails, phone calls, meetings, and deadlines. It’s no wonder that we often feel like we’re constantly playing catch-up, and that there’s never enough time in the day. However, the constant pressure to keep moving can take a toll on our mental and physical health. When we’re always on the go, we don’t give ourselves the time to rest, recharge, and reflect. This can lead to burnout, stress, and a decrease in productivity and creativity.

Slowing down, on the other hand, allows us to take a step back and recharge our batteries. It gives us the opportunity to reflect on our goals and priorities and to assess whether we’re on the right track. When we slow down, we’re better able to identify areas that need improvement, and to come up with new ideas and solutions. We’re also able to be more present in the moment, and to fully engage with the tasks at hand. In short, slowing down can help us to be more productive, creative, and effective in the long run.

The Similarities to Working Out

If you’ve ever worked out, you know that there’s a tendency to want to go faster when we’re faced with difficult exercises. We think that if we push ourselves harder and faster, we’ll be able to get through the exercise more quickly. However, this is often counterproductive. When we go too fast, we’re more likely to get injured, and we don’t get the full benefits of the exercise. On the other hand, when we slow down, we’re able to engage our muscles more effectively and to get a better workout overall. This has happened to me a couple of times over the past fifteen months. I’ll start thinking about work and will zone out, picking up my speed with an exercise, and then I’ll feel it a few days later.

The same is true in business. When we’re faced with a difficult task or project, our natural inclination is often to push ourselves to work faster and harder. However, this can be counterproductive. When we rush through a task, we’re more likely to make mistakes and to miss important details. We’re also more likely to become overwhelmed and stressed, which can lead to burnout and a decrease in productivity. On the other hand, when we slow down and take our time, we’re able to focus more fully on the task at hand. We’re able to think more critically and creatively and to come up with better solutions. We’re also less likely to make mistakes and to miss important details — mistakes that we might feel after the fact. 

How to Slow Down in Business

Slowing down in business doesn’t mean that you need to stop working altogether. Rather, it means taking the time to focus on the things that are most important and to eliminate distractions and time-wasters. 

Here are some tips for slowing down in business:

Prioritize Your Tasks

One of the most important things you can do to slow down in business is to prioritize your tasks. Identify the tasks that are most important, and focus on completing those first. This will help you to avoid getting overwhelmed and to ensure that you’re making progress on the things that matter most.

Eliminate Distractions

Another important step in slowing down in business is to eliminate distractions. In today's fast-paced business world, distractions are everywhere. Whether it's social media, email, or other interruptions, distractions can make it difficult to focus and slow down. To combat distractions, try eliminating them as much as possible. This could mean setting aside specific times for email and social media, turning off notifications on your phone, or working in a quiet space where you won't be disturbed. By eliminating distractions, you can create a more focused and productive work environment that will help you slow down and accomplish more in less time.

Additionally, it's important to recognize that distractions can come in many forms, including internal distractions like self-doubt or anxiety. If you find yourself getting distracted by negative thoughts or feelings, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself of your goals and priorities. Remember that slowing down and taking a more intentional approach can help you to overcome these distractions and achieve success in the long run. 

Take Breaks

Taking breaks is essential for slowing down and recharging. Studies have shown that taking regular breaks can actually increase productivity and creativity. Schedule regular breaks throughout your day, and use them to disconnect from work and do something that rejuvenates you. Take a walk, read a book, or just sit and breathe for a few minutes.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help you to reduce stress and anxiety, and to improve focus and productivity. Try incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful movement practices like yoga or Tai Chi. 

Another practice that has been game-changing for me is Positive Intelligence, by Shirzad Chamine. Doing what is called PQ reps (Positive IQ ), like rubbing your fingers together, focusing on nearby sounds, focusing on something visually with great detail, and of course, breathing, are several ways in which you can connect with yourself and get out of your head. You can also go for a walk around the block or take your dog to the park to get some fresh air and a new perspective. 

Delegate Tasks

As a business owner, it can be tempting to try to do everything yourself. However, delegating tasks can actually help you to slow down and focus on the things that matter most. Identify the tasks that can be delegated to others, and delegate them to team members or outsourced help. This will free up your time and mental energy to focus on the tasks that require your attention and expertise.

You can also use tools and other resources to help you delegate tasks, like email automation, calendar and CRM integrations, and online booking apps with payment processing to make your internal process as well as your customer’s journey as optimal and effortless as possible. 

In conclusion, slowing down in business is essential for maintaining productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. Just like in working out, slowing down can actually be more effective in the long run. By prioritizing tasks, eliminating distractions, taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, and delegating tasks, you can create a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to entrepreneurship. So, take a deep breath, and remember that sometimes the best thing you can do for your business is to slow down and take it one step at a time.