We’ve made it to the 9th way to slow your pace. In today’s installment, I want to share a practice that has brought me the balance I need in what would otherwise be a stressful day. If you master this practice, you will not only slow your pace, but regain control of your life. You can’t allow work, home, friends or anything else to control your day and ultimately your life. They were all meant to enhance your life, your day, not take it over. Most of us go through our existence based on what others push at us and it’s time to take a step back. It’s time…(here’s the reveal) for you to “take a walk.”
Take a slow walk.
At first, I thought this was pretty stupid. What would I look like taking a walk around our office building? What would be said by others when they saw me day after day turning the corner of the building? But then it hit me, I don’t care what they think because I am after something better. I’m not after their approval, but rather a day filled with peace and joy. This little walk gives me that. It’s just the break that I need to release any steam that builds up and then get my thoughts focused back on the things that matter most. There are a few challenges you will face with putting this into practice: the weather, a busy schedule, and the rush of the office.
Are you often in a hurry to use the restroom?
Are you rushing to the bathroom so that you can get back to your desk or work area as quickly as you can? This used to be me. There’s just not enough time to go use it. At least not, until I slowed the pace. You see slowing the pace, makes you more efficient and effective. You get more done. You should make time for a break. So here’s what I do. Getting to use the restroom has become a reward. I know, I know, this sounds crazy and you are probably thinking a reward for what? Glad you asked. It’s the reward I get for taking a walk. Each time I go to the restroom, I first take a walk around the building. So the way to the restroom requires a complete lap around the building. I know your next question; what happens when you’re in “a tight”? Glad you asked. Because the reward requires a walk around the building, so with that, I must never get in such a tight that I can’t do my lap, otherwise I’m in trouble, if you know what I mean. Just think about all the benefits this will afford you: better health, peace of mind, organizing your day, and releasing stress.
Declutter your mind.
How often is your mind racing because you have so many things to get done? People ask you how you’re doing and your response is busy. You’re busy at work. You’re busy at home. You’re busy at church. You’re busy even on the weekends and vacation. When will you not be busy? When you allow others to control your life, this is the result, a life filled with busyness. What if you could change all that? Would you like a day, 2 days or even more that aren’t so busy? You see being busy is a state of mind. Every person on the planet has only 24 hours in a day, yet others get more done and still have time for themselves. Do you want a life less hectic than the average person? Then do what the normal person won’t, change it. Start by taking a slow walk.
The Mark Richey Stroll
I first learned the practice of a slow walk by watching one of my team members, Mark Richey. Mark is not one who gets in a hurry. Even when he’s in a hurry it seems like he just strolls. For years, I watched Mark stroll down our long hallway as if to never be in a hurry. Honestly, watching him has taught me how to slow down. I was almost always running, yet Mark never changed his pace. Could he know something I don’t? The answer was yes. He knew how to control his pace. The work. He knew how to slow his world down to his desired speed. In our office, we call it the Mark Richey glide.
Today is your Friday!
Do like we do in our office. At least on our Fridays, we make it our practice to do the Mark Richey stroll. We slow our pace and glide like Mark down the busy hallway. Now it’s your turn. Find the slowest person on your job, on your team or in your home and walk with them at their pace. Take control of your pace, you deserve a break from all the hard work you put in.
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