I’m turning 40 in a few months. The big 4-0. Woah. My upcoming birthday has me reflecting on the past decade as I think about preparing for an entirely new decade.
As I’ve been reflecting back, I’m concerned that the word “hurry” is a word that has defined how I approach many things in my life. Not intentionally, but often born out of the desire for efficiency, movement, and momentum, where I naturally thrive.
In light of that, it’s no surprise that I LOVE getting stuff done. Checking boxes, moving priorities down the field, building stuff, fixing problems, and anything else that falls in the neighborhood of feeling productive.
Not only do I like to get stuff done, but I like to get it done fast. Over time, this has defined my natural pace. I listen to books and podcasts at 1.5x speed. My mind moves quickly – whether to solve a problem or brainstorm a new idea. I can’t stand waiting in lines. So when I see one in the distance at the grocery store or on the highway, my heart starts racing, and I begin to panic, searching for a way around the proverbial speed bump.
And while there are certainly benefits of efficiency, I’m beginning to see and feel some of the drawbacks of the “speed wins” mentality in this season.
I’m realizing that I’m not as present or caring when I’m moving at 1.5x speed. And the people around me FEEL it. So I end up leaving a wake that is unintended and doesn’t reflect my true heart.
It feels so weird to say, but as I look to the season ahead, I’m pretty sure that learning to slow down will be one of the hardest things I’ve ever tried to do. Slowing down for the benefit of my own heart and mind, and especially for those around me, left in my wake.
While it’s tempting to get to the other side before inviting you to join, here are a couple of shifts that I’m leaning into as a way of being a better husband, father, and leader in this season:
- 15 minutes of intentional silence every day.
- Turning off the phone one day a week. No news. No shopping. No social media.
- Shifting a portion of my one-on-one time with leaders from operational questions to introspective questions.
- Going to bed with things I’m grateful for on my mind.
Cheers to learning to be fully present as we exchange a little efficiency for deeper connection!
