| |
Think
Like a Juggler - Lesson Three (of a series)
Set Your Own
Pace
Click
this link to see earlier versions of Action Mail
The Dilemma
Are you busier today than you were a year ago? Are you moving at
a faster pace, shifting yourself (and often those around you) into
turbo-drive in order to keep up with the demands for your time?
And, even at that accelerated pace, are you ever successful at getting
it all done? Me neither. It often seems that the faster
I push myself, the greater the workload, and the louder the "noise"
inside my head- endless tasks screaming for my attention and time.
Sure, we try technology to help save time. But, does that work?
Be honest. Do you have any more "free time" since you
started "paying at the pump?" Didn't think so. Do you
remember, just a few years ago, you had to go inside the gas station,
wait in line, pay for your gas, and walk back to your car? What
happened to that five minutes? I want to know!!
The time "saved" by streamlining our life can evaporate
as quickly as dew on a summer morning. We find ourselves back on
life's treadmill, at a steeper incline and faster pace then ever.
If this sounds like you, then you need to think like
a juggler.
The Solution: Set
Your Own Pace
Jugglers make it look like they are handling everything at once-
at a speed that defies gravity. But, the reality is that they understand
three simple truths:
1. You have more time than you think you do.
There
is space and time between each of the throws and catches.
2. You can only do one thing at a time.
That
is, you only throw one object at a time- the one in your hand.
3. You set your own pace by deciding how high you throw
the objects.
A
higher level of execution has the effect of slowing down your pace.
To experience a scarcity of time, move quickly, racing around from
one thing to
the next, all the while thinking "I'm so late! There just isn't
enough time to get it done!" Think and move this way, and that
will be your reality.
To experience an abundance of time, you must purposely slow
yourself down, regardless of what is happening around you.
Tell yourself "I have all the time there is, and the best way
to execute is to get it right the first time." When you slow
yourself down, you will often realize that you have more time than
you thought you did. And your experience will be one of confident
action, instead of emotional reaction.
When juggling, you throw the objects higher in order to slow down
the tempo. The meaning for all of us, as we apply this physical
principle to our lives, is this: When we take the things
that
are most important to higher levels of execution, we have the effect
of slowing down our pace. In other words, instead of focusing
on the surface level details of life's minutia, if we look higher
to the purpose behind our actions, the strategic goals we are pursuing,
and the values that matter most to us, we will experience a slower,
more purposeful pace.
One word of caution: When the juggler throws an
object higher, it does slow things down, but it also becomes much
more important that the throw is accurate. A small throw slightly
off target is still recoverable. A high throw, miscalculated by
the same degree, may be out of reach. As you take your life's
objectives to higher levels of execution, speed is not the determining
factor. What matters is excellence.
Time For Action
1. Purposely slow yourself down. Move at a more
relaxed, but deliberate pace. When individuals or circumstances
pressure you to speed up, remember you are the one in control. Take
a deep breath, and then move forward on your terms.
2. Slow down your interactions. Engage others with
a deepened sense of connection. When you ask questions, wait patiently
for the replies, and be sure you have a complete understanding.
Watch with wonder, as your relaxed, focused tempo becomes contagious,
bringing out the best in those you touch.
3. Take the objectives that are most important to higher
levels of execution. Instead of handling small tasks, make
big decisions. Aim higher than you have previously attempted, and
follow through with excellence.
You will never get it all done. But by managing your own pace, you
will accomplish more than you would otherwise, and the real reward
will be an increased sense of peace and purpose.
Make every throw count,
Dan
P.S. I wrote this message slowly to ensure it was right on target!
|
