Ahhhh… to be in the forest, feeling grounded, the smell of the trees and the earth… Can you picture yourself there or does it feel like a far distant dream?
I don’t think anything can quite replace this feeling and yet, there are so many ways we can slow down, and allow ourselves a little time out. If you are anything like me, you tend to rush into tasks, head first, and ready to conquer the world. You know you can get it done yesterday and you know that at some point, you’re going to burn out.
It doesn’t have to be that way! That’s why I asked 8 high performers to share their secret slowing down processes. As I read through each of the answers, I found a piece of myself and I’m sure that if you’re reading this, you can relate and will find a little piece of yourself too. It’s a great reminder that we are not alone, and that we all need to build self-awareness in order to slow down and avoid making rushed decisions or burning out.
We would love to hear what you do to slow down! Tell us in the comments!
SLOW DOWN WITH ALEXIS MERA DAMEN, FOUNDER, ALEXIS MERA
What makes you a high performer?
I’m not sure if I always succeed at being a high performer, but I’m definitely a high achiever. To the extent that I usually put too much on my plate and then have to start pushing things off again. It’s a constant battle that I have with myself. I’ve learned to start telling myself that things can wait until tomorrow or next week and they don’t all have to happen at once.
What does it mean to you to slow down?
Slowing down means I don’t make impulsive decisions, I’m more strategic about my actions, and accept that it’s ok if everything doesn’t happen over night.
What makes it hard for you to slow down?
Passion, impulse, anxiety.
What do YOU do to (re)gain perspective and reflect and how does it help?
I take a break. Exercise. Talk about things with another person and then refocus and try to make more strategic decisions rather than trying to do it ALL at once.
Connect with Alexis: Instagram Facebook Website
SLOW DOWN WITH KAREN WILLIS, FOUNDER SHARING BALI & BEYOND – ACTIVE TRAVEL + SIMPLE LUXURY
What makes you a high performer?
I create travel experiences in places and in a style that doesn’t exist elsewhere…. there is no road map! I call myself an ‘Experience Maker’.
What does it mean to you to slow down?
To consciously STOP multi-tasking… not just related to work. E.g. A simple activity such as reading, switch off all devices or potential distractions.
What makes it hard for you to slow down?
An over active mind – and after so many years in the corporate world (previous life) I’m wired to think that multi tasking is ‘productive’.
What do YOU do to (re)gain perspective and reflect and how does it help?
When I’m scrambling in overdrive I try to PAUSE and say to myself ‘put some space between your thoughts’…. it suddenly makes sense and I slow down, clear the clutter. Plus I’ve recently discovered the power of Sound Healing. There are no visual distractions (I am a visual thinker so this is a big deal), you just have to Listen. Really Listen. It is phenomenal focus. Leaves me refreshed and energised.
Connect with Karen: Instagram Facebook Website
SLOW DOWN WITH LIZ ANTHONY, FOUNDER OF MARIPOSA COMMUNICATIONS – CO-FOUNDER OF PRESSREADY
What makes you a high performer?
I’ve always been an uber organized, type A, dedicated to my work. I founded my PR firm – Mariposa Communications 10 years ago with that drive in mind, to be able to offer the very best to a select handful of fashion accessory brands.
What does it mean to you to slow down?
I prioritize my tasks in chunks, while I love making long lists of what needs to be accomplished – it’s just as important to focus on what needs my immediate attention and tackle those tasks first before moving on to the bigger picture.
What makes it hard for you to slow down?
I love leading a multi-faceted life, covering all categories to feel well rounded. I’m constantly thinking of new ideas and often over-committing to things.
What do YOU do to (re)gain perspective and reflect and how does it help?
I take time out for myself if and when I can! I find whatever brings my mind some stillness and be sure to carve out that time whenever possible.
Connect with Liz: Instagram Facebook or Facebook LinkedIn
SLOW DOWN WITH STEPHEN SAINATO, COACH EXTRAORDINAIRE!
What makes you a high performer?
I am High Performer. It’s who I’ve chosen to be. I think, feel, and act congruently with what that means for me.
What does it mean to you to slow down?
To clear the debris and clouds of fear, anxiety, resentment, and anxiousness, so I can let the stillness of grace and love in. From there, I can operate with poise, serenity, and clarity..
What makes it hard for you to slow down?
My impatience and an old story that busyness equals worthiness.
What do YOU do to (re)gain perspective and reflect and how does it help?
I pray on paper. It helps me connect with the Higher Power of my understanding, and clear whatever is blocking me from the stillness and power of grace and love.
Connect with Stephen: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Website
SLOW DOWN WITH STEPHANIE THOMA, IRL CONNECTION ENTHUSIAST & NETWORKING STRATEGIST
What makes you a high performer?
The foundation of performing at my best is being clear on how to have the most authentic energy possible, and living that lifestyle. This means getting back to basics, and making commitments to health that are non-negotiable, such as making time to sleep 8-9 hours per night, eat healthfully around 80% of the time, exercise at least every other day, spend time with people and projects I love, and devoting at least one night per week to being tech-free with no concrete plans.
What does it mean to you to slow down?
When I slow down it means I don’t schedule anything for a day, and focus a bit on input versus output. That could be reading or watching funny SNL clips or inspirational TED Talks.
What makes it hard for you to slow down?
I tend to block schedule my high exertion energy and wind-down chill time. If I’m on a high, still buzzing from an event, it can be hard to slow down.
What do YOU do to (re)gain perspective and reflect and how does it help?
To regain focus and perspective, I meditate. It can be done while walking between meetings, on a long jog, or given sole attention in silence before I go to sleep during a bubble bath or sitting at the edge of my bed with a lit candle on my side table. It helps because I am able to notice my thoughts race and then slow and eventually dissolve with my breath. There are no goals, nothing to hold on to and I feel peaceful.
Connect with Stephanie: Instagram Facebook Website
SLOW DOWN WITH RACHNA HUKMANI, OWNER/FOUNDER, WHISKEY STORIES
What makes you a high performer?
Following my passion and my calling.
What does it mean to you to slow down?
Slowing down is not only about self care for but it also allows me to get back in touch with my vision for my life, my company, my personal relationships and my health. I think it is important to slow down before we speed up.
What makes it hard for you to slow down?
if I am in my head too much, then I start to over analyze things and that causes me to be stuck in the ‘how’ of things and small picture. When I get back into my body and slow down via meditation, dance and comedy I always realize my path is abundant
What do YOU do to (re)gain perspective and reflect and how does it help?
Get into my body. I believe that is the key to slowing down and then when I regain perspective I speed up. Then I slow down again. It is a cycle.
Connect with Rachna: Instagram Facebook Website
SLOW DOWN WITH LISA JONES, HOLISTIC HEALTH AND LIFE COACH
What makes you a high performer?
Making the decision to head back in to the work force (after 15 years as a SAHM) and start my own coaching business at 51. Looking trial and tribulation square in the face and not backing down. Showing my three teen-age girls that YES you too can raise an incredible family and have a second career. I’m a high performer because life will always be full of twists and turns and ups and downs and success is failure turned inside out. I’m a high performer because I answer to a higher power that never lets me down. And I’m a high performer because I use the gifts I have been given to go out and make a difference one person at a time.
What does it mean to you to slow down?
Slowing down is very personal to me. If I did not learn the meaning of slowing down over 30 years ago I don’t think I would be where I am or the person I am today. Slowing down means keeping my health a priority so that I can serve those around me whom I love the most. Slowing down is paramount to your day to day existence. Slowing down is to see the breath of life around you in the smallest of ways as well as the big.
What makes it hard for you to slow down?
The many hats I wear every day – wife, mother, business owner, daughter, sister, volunteer, friend.
What do YOU do to (re)gain perspective and reflect and how does it help?
I start my day every morning in prayer and journaling. I take 15 to 30 minutes in quiet and solitude to write what I’m receiving in word and scripture. I meditate on being present for the day in front of me, anything I need to learn from yesterday and vision creation for tomorrow! It helps me so much – it is time for me to connect to my soul, to be still, to know, to remember and to be grateful.
Connect with Lisa: Facebook Website
SLOW DOWN WITH MAI NGUYEN, CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR (LITTLE MAI SUNSHINE)
What makes you a high performer?
I’m a huge go-getter. When I set my mind to something, I really give it my all to make sure I can see it through or at least as close to the finish line as I can get. And it’s not because I’m trying to rack up all these successes, but because I know that every process and journey is also a collection of lessons and opportunities that I wouldn’t have foreseen otherwise. It’s when I allow myself to give something my all, that I can open up new perspectives and ideas.
What does it mean to you to slow down?
Slowing down means giving yourself moments to breathe. It’s re-centering myself with my surroundings and actually be present in my moments. I get so used to only seeing forward and into the future that I forget to just be right here and right now.
What makes it hard for you to slow down?
I have this worry that once I slow down, it’ll halt my progress and momentum to keep going because I’d enjoy the relaxing liberation too much. But I’m trying to remind myself that life is about finding a happy balance and that you can’t pour from an empty cup, so recalibration and pockets of breaths are very much needed in order to keep going.
What do YOU do to (re)gain perspective and reflect and how does it help?
I relearn myself new each and everyday. I make it a point to discover new ways to love myself, the work I’m doing, and the life I’m leading. Because once I can envelop my entire self into an aligned effort of self-love, then I begin to envision things in new, inspiring light.
Connect with Mai: Instagram Facebook Website
TAKE A BREATHER WITH ME!
I’m so grateful for all these wonderful insights – they really helped me to realize that my behaviors are not just my own and I am definitely excited about trying several of the tips! Sound Healing sounds amazing!
Now, if you need some help to slow down, here are a couple of ways you can do that with me!