What can happen when you slow down and make a small change

Last week I had the pleasure and honor of being the closing keynote speaker at a conference in Virginia. This was only the second time I’ve spoken in-person to a large audience since the start of the pandemic, and the energy of being with people was terrific.

This audience, like most I speak to, was filled with senior professionals who lead busy lives. They have tremendous responsibilities to lead their organizations and face an array of challenges each day.

My message was focused on how they can lead their biggest, best lives — to bring all of their greatness into the world — and do it without sacrificing their wellbeing.

The first thing I focused on was slowing down.

I talked about being more, instead of so much frantic doing. I urged them to give themselves space and grace. I advocated for focusing on what they each need more of in their lives to feel and be their best.

We are not machines

Many of us are so accustomed to living at a hectic pace that we fail to realize the consequences of the daily grind on our physical wellbeing, our energy and our spirits — all of which are precious, and none of which is in endless supply.

Even machines, with on- and off-switches, need power to run smoothly and regular maintenance, too.

Many of us treat ourselves like machines, without regard for the fuel we need, our routine maintenance requirements, or considering how long we can be “on” before we wear out our gears.

What can be done

We can each pause to consider what changes — even small changes — will improve our daily wellbeing.

It’s time to honor ourselves and ask the question, “What do I need more of to nurture my spirit and honor my body?”

Maybe you will realize you are skimping on sleep. Or not eating as well as you want to, so you have ample time to savor and digest healthy meals. Or you may crave more time for quiet in your life. Or there may be a special interest you enjoy, or a relationship you want to nurture, but you have not created space to make it a focus.

When you start by identifying what will nurture your spirit and honor your body, and then choose one thing to consciously introduce to make it happen, you are sure to experience an improvement in your daily wellbeing.

The changes I am making now

Having been in “high gear” for too long, I am clear that this is the time for me to slow down. (This is a lesson I return to time and again!)

I am focused on thinking about what I am saying, “Yes” to. I leave more “white space” in my calendar.

I am using my own tips for “multiplying time” that I share in my keynotes, and I am setting clear boundaries (another point I teach and that I continue to bring into my own life with renewed awareness).

Having implemented a few small changes, I am glad to say I created space to spend a few hours in my studio this past weekend.

Painting is something I truly love, and have often sacrificed when I have allowed myself to be over-scheduled. I meet myself in a special way when I paint, and I was reminded of the lovely “spillover” effects it has on my happiness and wellbeing.

What are you ready to change?

The power of making just one or two small changes can be remarkable.

What can you identify today, that will be easy to implement right away?

Will you commit to taking a daily walk to breathe fresh air for 15 minutes?

Will you say, “No,” to someone who asks you to help out with something that will exhaust you, and do it with grace and kindness?

Will you get to bed a little earlier so you can wake up more refreshed tomorrow morning — and every morning?

I invite you to choose at least one small change to bring into your life today, that will support you to feel and be your best.