Step away from the beard trimmer
Taking a moment before diving in
It's all about pace these days. In a world of constant change, leading businesses need to be agile, moving first (fast) and keeping up with the latest wave of technology.
And of course it’s not just businesses that are moving fast, it’s the people inside them too.
And we all know what that means in practice – an impatience to get things done and an inevitable rush as we scramble to get things over the line.
When I'm coaching I sometimes have to encourage my clients to consciously slow down in order to give their brains a chance to catch up. Using some of that precious time to step back, breathe, reflect; it can all help bring some considered focus before we dash off to the next important thing.
Of course I’m no different ; for the 3rd time in a month my undue haste has forced me to slow down, cost me money or resulted in me hurting myself.
There was the ‘quick’ beard trim I spontaneously made before dashing out for the train. Absent-mindedly turning the trimmer dial the wrong way left me with an unconventional look a bit like the first stripe of a freshly mown garden lawn. Next dilemma – shave it all off or blend it in and just what train will I get now?
Then there was the last minute drive to the post office to send a parcel. As I rushed to park, I was so fixated on the clock I pranged both my car and that of an unlucky stranger. Two cars to the garage, several thousand pounds and, of course, the parcel missed the post.
Then there was that famously dangerous activity - putting the recycle bins out. Cutting up the card with a swashbuckling style my thumb came a cropper. Stitches narrowly avoided but the loss of my thumb for a few days.
So what did I learn from my own impatience?
I take my thumbs for granted – try tying your shoelaces or buttoning your shirt without one of them; 25 years of insurance no-claims bonus was carefully earned and quickly lost; and, my beard takes about 4 days before it grows back.....
So as I head into 2019 I’m sure I'll still rush about but maybe, just maybe I’ll be reminded to pause and take a mindful moment before I go diving head first into my next task.
