Ever wish you could slow down time? Remember how time in our youth seemed to pass by so slowly, but the older we get, the faster it goes by?
An article from Inc. explains the science behind making making time slow down – any of us can do it, and it really comes down to one important concept.
Take time to notice the details.
Day 1 of Jeff Goins’ Slow Down Challenge compelled me to do just that.
I’m always up for a good challenge, so when I heard about Jeff’s Slow Down Challenge, I knew that I wanted to be all in.
I just received my copy of Jeff’s latest book The In-Between: Embracing the Tension Between Now and the Next Big Thing – I say received, as I was blessed to receive a copy from Michael Hyatt in a recent giveaway. (by the way, you should pick up your copy A.S.A.P. – at time of posting, it is 40% off on Amazon – HERE).
Here is a bit more about the book:
“We’re an “instant gratification” generation, but the trouble is, most change happens gradually.” From http://goinswriter.com/inbetween/
So what is this “Slow Down Challenge?” It is a chance to stop, reflect, and reconnect with the things that matter most – the things that are all too often overlooked.
The joys of today.
The beauty of the now.
The intentional act of being present, at present.
As part one of this challenge, I took the time to look around myself during a walk…and just notice.
Notice all the things I pass on a daily walk that I take, but pay no attention to – since I am often thinking about where I am going, and not where I am at that very moment.
The very first thing I noticed as I set out on this intentional walk, is that I found it almost impossible to walk slowly. I have become accustomed to walking at a very brisk pace, with a destination in mind, a meeting that will soon start, or a location that I am ultimately making the effort to arrive.
I never thought it would be so difficult to walk just a bit more slowly – but I caught myself, several times, spending up my pace. Maybe out of habit, maybe out of some false sense of urgency, but this realization alone gave great value in the act of intentionally taking notice.
In fact, in one of my Life Changer posts, George Marriner Maull lauded the value of stopping to just listen – really listen – to music, and to take notice of what you hear.
I feel it is time in my own life, that I build significantly more time spent doing less.
Will you join me in this challenge to slow down?
It’s free and you can get started today – just click here.
I’ll join you. I’ve been trying to “slow down” for the past few months (before Jeff’s book really took off, his book and post and really confirmed with where I’m going). Slowing down requires being intentional about letting go of the busyness to focus on what is happening at the moment. I’m still working through this:) Great post!
Focus is such an important part – I learned this the hard way, but I also found at least one way out – https://jondharrison.com/2013/04/05/procrastination/
Nice, I’ll check it out!
I’m working on focus, which helps me slow down. Thinking I have to do everything right now causes me anxiety and I do nothing. If I focus on a few things it helps me slow down.
I have Jeff Goins book and its on my reading list.
I am trying to further implement David Allen’s Getting Things Done method to calm some of that “do everything at once” anxiety – do you have a specific technique that you are using?