Linda-Ann Stewart - The Hurrier You Go, The Behinder You Get

My grandmother used to quote the novelist Lewis Carroll, "The hurrier I go, the behinder I get." Recently, I had an extremely busy week that epitomized that sentiment. I had multiple appointments with clients, networking meetings, deadlines for my newsletter and the association's newsletter I edit. So I was running around trying to get prepared for, or getting things done before the deadlines arrived. Additionally, gravity seemed to be heavier, as everything I got near seemed to end up on the floor. Have you ever had a week like that?

The Lewis Carroll quote is true. Whenever you're in a hurry, pressured for time, and you try to do things faster, events happen to delay you. You drop your glasses, spill your coffee or forget your water bottle and must go back for it. No matter how hard you try to make up time, you stumble and obstruct yourself. It seems like life is against you, creating chaos that you must clean up, search for items or go back to get. And all that time you're trying to make up never appears.

Stressful Situations

The same is true of circumstances. When you rush into a situation, without thinking it through, you tend to experience problems. You make unwise decisions, and then are stuck as you try to extract yourself. For instance, have you ever agreed to help on a committee, and realized later that you didn't have the time for it? Or have you ever been pressured to buy something, which you did, but later regretted the purchase?

When you're under stress, as when you're rushed, you cannot think creatively or resourcefully. Stress puts you into a mindset of fight or flight, and you're simply trying to survive. You act on impulse and, because you're moving faster than normal, you become slightly clumsy. That's when you knock a glass of water or something else onto the floor. If you're under a lot of pressure, it can move you into a sense of fear. When you're afraid, you can't think clearly and remember where you put your keys, glasses or report.

Slow Down

When I realized that I was embodying what my grandmother had warned me about, I stopped rushing around. Even though my time was limited, I knew I had to take control and manage myself better. Whenever I started to spin too fast, I reminded myself to slow down and think things through. Planning ahead can ease a lot of tension. I made myself stop and think ahead to make sure I had everything I needed.

For instance, I had to make myself lunch for the networking meeting, which would end immediately before another appointment. I got lunch ready the night before. After the appointment, I was going to the health food store, so I got my list ready ahead of time. Because I thought things through, I was able to be more relaxed. And once I got home, I could focus and be mentally ready for my virtual coaching client later that afternoon.

As you stop and think, you're able to access your resourcefulness and ability to view the situation in perspective. You pay attention to what you're doing in the moment, which allows you to be more present and intentional. And you assess what needs to be done, so you can make appropriate decisions. Gravity returns to normal, and your cup won't tip over just because it's near you.

As a focus coach, hypnotherapist, and speaker, Linda-Ann Stewart motivates women to focus and transform their business through deliberate actions that break through distraction and overwhelm to greater success, freedom, wellbeing and prosperity. Watch her FREE training video on Set Your Course to Success: 4 steps to strategically achieve your goals with confidence and ease. Register for the video and accompanying action planning guide at www.SetYourCourseGuide.com. You can contact her at LAS@Linda-AnnStewart.com or 928-600-0452.

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