A snail slowing down in a fast-paced world.
I’ve always been a speed racer. I’m not talking about NASCAR. (Although, I’ll admit sometimes I pretend to be a race car driver on the open freeway!) I’m talking about everyday life—rushing to get through tasks as quickly as possible, eager to move on to the next thing. Sometimes, this race to the finish line works out, like when I’m playing sports or juggling a thousand tasks with a tight deadline. But most of the time, not so much.
From losing things to locking myself out of my car or house, rushing around has caused many of my mishaps. Trying to speed through interactions with others has also led to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. As a result, I’ve experienced unnecessary chaos and stress. Turns out, life doesn’t work as well with a fast-forward button.
When I began practicing mindfulness, I realized my constant rushing was a way to avoid discomfort. This childhood coping mechanism wasn’t serving me anymore. Yes, it had helped me avoid some pain, but in doing so, I had missed out on the beauty of life’s moments. I realized I didn’t want to miss anything anymore. To truly experience life, I needed to slow down.
I’m certainly not alone in this. In fact, we live in a world dominated by the "move fast and break things" motto—an approach made famous in the tech industry. But as I’ve pointed out, moving too quickly isn’t always beneficial to individuals or society.
The "Fast and Furious" Life Isn’t All It’s Cracked Up to Be
Sure, disrupting outdated systems and building more effective, efficient solutions is admirable. But when we rush without considering the consequences, we often create more harm than good.
Rushing around increases our stress levels.
Our consumer-driven society has exacerbated FOMO (fear of missing out), making us feel as though we constantly need to keep up. There’s always something to do, somewhere to be, a new text or email to respond to, and Instagram post to double-tap. We’re told that we need faster computers, cars, deliveries—and even faster responses from others. We are conditioned to believe that waiting is unacceptable, and that downtime or boredom are to be avoided at all costs.
This constant chase for more is brilliantly designed to sell us things we don’t need. In our quest to escape discomfort, we may pay for momentary relief. But this fast-paced, constant stimulation is unsustainable. It keeps us trapped in a fight-or-flight state, sending stress signals to our nervous system. Over time, this leads to heightened anxiety, lower mood, and a decline in physical health.
As Edward O. Wilson, an American sociobiologist, wisely said, “The real problem of humanity is the following: we have Paleolithic emotions, medieval institutions, and god-like technology.” Our brains and bodies, along with societal systems, can’t keep up with the breakneck speed of modern life.
The Negative Consequences of Rushing
When we move too fast, we often make impulsive decisions. We forget to reflect on past patterns or consider long-term effects, leading to repetitive mistakes. On a global scale, this results in serious issues like pollution, addiction, and the unchecked growth of technology. On a personal level, this rush can result in unfulfilling relationships, career dissatisfaction, and a general lack of joy in life.
Slowing Down to Improve Your Life
It may seem counterintuitive to slow down in a world that moves so quickly, but in reality, the more we try to keep up, the more we fall behind. Rushing to avoid discomfort is problematic because discomfort provides valuable information. Only by slowing down and being present can we fully understand our emotions and make more mindful decisions.
The irony is that when we rush, we cloud our judgment and become more susceptible to impulsivity. Moving fast and breaking things rewards immediate gratification, but it often lacks the wisdom necessary to make the right choices. We may end up breaking things we never intended to, only to spend time fixing them, if we can.
Slowing down can also have a profound impact on your mental and physical well-being. It calms the nervous system, signaling that you are safe. This creates space to consider all factors and make wiser decisions that align with your values, goals, and the well-being of others.
How to Slow Down: Practical Tips for Mindfulness
If you’re ready to slow down, here are a few simple ways to bring more mindfulness into your daily life:
1. Take small steps to slow down: Walk a little slower, talk a little calmer, and maybe…maybe…don’t race through your meals like you’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Small changes like this add up!
2. Breathe deeply: Deep, intentional breaths naturally activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you to reset and regain balance.
3. Pause before reacting: Before switching tasks, responding to messages, or engaging in face-to-face conversations, take a moment to pause. Even a brief moment of stillness can create space for clarity and intentionality.
Slowing down can move us forward.
At first, slowing down may feel uncomfortable. The fast-paced rush of modern life can be addictive, and stepping out of that pattern may initially cause some unease. However, if you embrace the discomfort and start slowing down, you’ll that you’re more present in the moment and life becomes smoother.
Conclusion: Slow Down To Move Forward
Slowing down is an act of self-care and mindfulness that can help you make more thoughtful decisions and lead a more fulfilling life. Instead of chasing fleeting moments of relief through distractions and impulse, you’ll be able to make decisions that align with your values and goals. In doing so, you can improve your relationships, career, and overall well-being.
Take the time to slow down, and watch how it can help you move forward—more mindfully, and with greater clarity.