Last Friday, I unexpectedly crossed paths with an amazing woman I met a few months earlier – Let’s call her, Jan.
She is a senior leader in the hospitality industry and works for a major hotel chain.
It had been at least 6 months (perhaps longer) since we connected.
While she appeared happy and present, she looked extremely tired and exhausted compared to the last time we were in person.
Because I’ve seen these warning signs before – both personally and in many other superwomen who expertly juggle work, life and the whole world – I could tell she needed to recharge and so I gently suggested she give herself permission to do so over the weekend.
With the pace of life getting faster by the minute, it’s easy to get caught up in the rat race and forget what’s important.
We are constantly being told that we need to do more, be more, and accomplish more.
But what if the key to success is not about moving faster, but slowing down?
Sure, it can be hard to slow down, and slowing down may seem counterintuitive, but it can actually lead to greater productivity and satisfaction in the long run.
When we’re constantly rushing around, we’re more likely to make mistakes and miss out on opportunities.
However, when we take the time to slow down and be mindful, we can make better decisions, improve our well-being, and find success.
Success and well-being are often thought of as one and the same; however, they are two very different concepts.
We often measure success by tangible things like money, power, and possessions.
Well-being, on the other hand, is more about intangible things like happiness, satisfaction, and personal relationships.
Another way to think of it is…
“Success is like a light at the end of a tunnel, and
well-being is the tunnel itself.”
We are often so focused on the light – that we forget it takes a series of mindful steps to get closer to the light.
Yes, the pace of life is getting faster by the minute, but the journey to success has to start with well-being as it’s your opportunity to lead from a place of strength and vitality instead of stress and overwhelm.
As for Jan, I got an email from her yesterday.
She wrote…“You’ll be glad to hear I rested a ton yesterday (slept in late and napped!).”
Her email made me smile.
Sure, it doesn’t solve the bigger issue of ongoing stress and overwhelm, but Jan’s awareness is action and momentum in the right direction.
Remember, your well-being is non-negotiable.
Slow down and keep shining!