Instant Gratification is Taking Too Long…

Are you terribly busy?

Then what a relief. A group of authors  (to assist busy, busy parents) have condensed classic children’s stories into 60 second summaries.

I did a double take on that one.  Whilst sometimes (to my inner guilt) I feel too knackered to spend 20 minutes on the bedtime story, the 60 second bit shocked me. How has the need for speed taken over our lives in so many ways? Do everything faster and do it now is the mantra of the day.

I’m very happy the West Coast mainline can now get me into London in just over 2.25 hours. That I can instantly download my photos to the web is great. I’m not anti speed.

However, would it be a good idea to sift out the things we want to or really should do  more slowly rather than go at everything at breakneck pace? Is it desirable to be crystal clear about the things we need to do slowly or slow down at least.

In 1982 Dr. Larry Dossney coined the term ‘time sickness’ to describe the belief that time ‘time is getting away, that there isn’t enough of it, and that you must pedal faster and faster to keep up’.  Since then the world has gone speed mad!

These I believe, in no particular order, are a few tasks that need to be on my ‘do it slow and with reverence’ list:

•  The first thing I do in the office each day should be slow (e.g. versus launching into email frenzy). Ideally, I’ll ponder on ‘What is important about today?’ What must happen today? What must I do to bring about my desired future?
• All meals. Full stop.
• Taking a brief from a client. It may the first time in weeks, months, years someone has ‘given them full on, attentive listening time’.
• Any response to someone who has just told me something that is clearly very important to them.
• The kids bedtime stories of course!
• Cooking.
• An acknowledgment for someone who has just achieved a big accomplishment. Do it slowly like you mean it.
• The school run (It’s a walk!).
• My first response when asked a question that may require my committment. Think slowly and carefully before promising.

 

…and some music to accompany the above!  Click here