"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."
by Lao Tzu
In present day lifestyle when rushing is our MO(method of operation), Lao Tzu statement seems contradictory. We try to pack as much into every minute of the day as possible, get busy, so that we don't feel unproductive and lazy.
We want to cram in as much as we can and be productive, but at what cost? When you are rushing, you are not really present.You just focus on getting things done, without enjoying doing it. You feel like pushing against time which is exhausting and draining. While there's nothing wrong with rushing, you are not really in the present moment when you rush.
Why do we rush?
1. It's habitual: It is what we have seen people around us do and what we have been taught. And we are use to do it unconsciously.
2. To avoid what we feel: We rush so that we don't have to deal with the more meaningful stuff - our real feelings.
3. Self-importance: We want to feel valuable in the eyes of others and rushing all the time gives away the feeling of us being important and doing a lot of work.
4. We feel unworthy: Rushing at things gives us a feeling that we are busy and productive. When we slow down, we feel unworthy as if we are not doing anything, and that we are not being productive.
5. Competition & control: We feel like we're missing opportunities by slowing down. We feel that if we slow down, everyone will move ahead of us and we will fall behind them.
It helps to know why we're rushing. A good question to ask is "What's the rush?" or "Why do I need to rush right now?"
But I Can't Change!
There will be some among you who will admit that it would be nice to slow down, but you just can't do it … your lifestyle won't allow. You will come up with excuses that may be after 15 yrs, or when kids are grown or when I retire.
I say bullshit.
Take responsibility for your life. If it's your job or other commitments, take control of it. Make changes in your lifestyle and work life. You are responsible for your life.
"Half our life is spent trying to
by Will Rogers
find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to
save."
There is no tested or defined process that you can follow to control your life, but once you make the decision, you will figure out a way to not rush in life. Here are four simple ways to do that.
1.Have fewer projects. Cut back on your projects and meeting. Make smaller task list, focus not on quantity but quality. Cut on the things that you don't really need to do. Give yourself time where no one can interrupt you so that you can focus on what you really need to do.
2.Practice disconnect and mindfulness. Turn off your devices and your email notifications and enjoy the time and surroundings. Read a book, walk, be with someone fully. Live in the present, rather than thinking so much about the future or the past. It may be difficult at first but will be totally worth it.
3.Eliminate the unnecessary task and commitments. We're over committed, which is why we're rushing around so much. Try to eliminate commitments. Focus on the important things and try to do it without rush.
4.It's OK if things are not getting done. Don't get stressed out if you don't meet the deadline. It may get frustrating for some of you if you miss a target or deadline but always remember - There's always tomorrow. And the things that needs to get done will.
Our life is this moment, happening right now. Do we really want to rush through it?
