THE POWER OF SLOWING DOWN
If you want something done, ask a busy person.” This common adage speaks volumes about how many of us live our professional lives—constantly rushing, performing, and sacrificing for success. For a significant part of my career, I found myself entrenched in this cycle, serving as an executive loaded with responsibilities and the relentless pressure to achieve outstanding results. My goal wasn't just to meet expectations but to exceed them dramatically.
In James Joyce's novel, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, there’s a poignant observation about “The man … who is living two feet outside his body.” This quote resonates deeply with my experience. I was always on the go, moving at an accelerated pace, with my mind racing ahead of my physical being. While my external productivity soared, my inner experience often felt detached.
Despite this frantic pace, I cultivated efficiency and effectiveness, delivering the outcomes that mattered most to those assessing my performance. However, it was during my training for an Ironman race that I discovered a crucial skill: self-regulation under pressure. For the first time, I honed in on my body’s signals, using my heart rate to understand and optimize my performance. When my heart rate spiked, I learned techniques to calm it through mindfulness and controlled breathing—an astonishing revelation that transformed my approach.
Today, as I work with groups of leaders, I introduce a practice known as somatic walking. This exercise invites participants to explore how their physical movement influences their mental and emotional states. The foundational principle behind this practice is that “the way we move through space, we move through life.” By becoming aware of our baseline speed, posture, attention, and focus as we navigate different environments, we gain the opportunity to embody the qualities we aspire to carry into our lives.
Many believe that slowing down will hinder their progress. However, I’ve witnessed that it often does the opposite; it enhances our ability to access information, intuition, and deeper decision-making.
As a coach, I create a safe space for leaders to pause and connect with their inner wisdom. One valuable tool I employ is a 360 Assessment, which evaluates interpersonal intelligence. This assessment measures how effectively a leader listens, navigates conflict, and manages their own emotions and those of others.
While many individuals overestimate their emotional intelligence, the reality is quite different. When we become disconnected from our own feelings, we find it challenging to empathize with others. Engaging with our bodies and acknowledging our aliveness is essential for a fulfilling life. I often encounter busy leaders who feel numb; unfortunately, this numbness dulls not only the pain but also the joy and fulfillment.
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to work with incredible leaders. My favorite moments come when participants slow down and become attuned to their body's resonance, uncovering insights that were previously hidden. Embracing this journey brings awareness and vitality back into our lives, fostering true connection with ourselves and others.
