ASAP - as slow as possible
What if we’ve misunderstood the abbreviation ASAP?
What if it’s not about ‘as fast as possible’ – but rather ‘as slow as possible’?
How would the quality of your work, your decisions, your conversations change – if it wasn’t about doing things as fast as possible, but instead, as slowly as possible? Maybe the question provokes you?
But slowing down can transform the way we approach things:
Perhaps it’s about taking the time to see the problem from more perspectives than just the shortest route from A to B?
Perhaps it’s about listening to those around you who aren’t the loudest voices?
Or making sure we’re asking the right question before we rush to write the answer?
Or creating space for other resources within ourselves, beyond the logical left brain?
Over the past few months, I’ve been working intensely on defining my mission and how I want to offer coaching and development to those who take responsibility. And I’ve noticed that when I rush too much, because I’m so eager, I don’t quite reach that place where I know there’s more to discover. Or where my unique contribution lies.
I want to try to quieten my inner ‘achiever’ and make room for transformation. This includes creating space for pauses, reflection, and slowing down when it feels like the right thing to do.
It’s difficult – perhaps because, like many independent professionals, I always have that thought in the back of my mind about how things will turn out... Are there enough clients? Can I make a living from this? What if...?
Wisdom in action
Here are a few suggestions on how we can slow down and improve the quality of what we do:
Take your question with you on a mindful walk – walk as slowly as possible, really feel your feet, practise the art of slowness (if you happen til live in Copenhagen - do you know this mindful route https://rutetilro.kk.dk )
Enjoy conversations that bring new insights from others - be curious about perspectives and possibilities first
Listen to your inner voice and make space for intuition
Try a digital detox (Bookstore Tranquebar introduced the ‘tech fasting’ idea last year)
I’m confident that by varying the pace – not always fast, not always slow – but learning how to adjust the tempo in our lives, we can achieve more quality, more impact, and better relationships.
Invitation to reflect
I invite you to reflect on this idea for yourself - in your life or career: How is that balance between fast and slow right now? How is the quality of your decisions with the current balance? What might happen if you keep the speed you have at the moment? What would happen if you choose to shift the balance?
Feel free to reach out to me, if you got curious about this or want to share your thoughts!