Haste has taken over this world. We straddle the balance beam of things being too fast and things being too slow. Trying to make sure the pendulum doesn't swing one way or the other. It's exhausting.
In the world of business, hurry can be a destroyer. A phrase is typed incorrectly, a crucial document is left out of the mix, a person is forgotten, and even worse, deadlines are missed due to the lack of control.
How do we CONTROL Hurry? Here's a creative piece I wrote to not only expose, but to get rid of hurry once and for all:) - Hope you enjoy.
Dear Hurry,
I’m writing to discuss my current and increased frustration with your efforts to destroy my life. I can no longer deny the fact that you are performing these gestures with no regard to how it affects me and those I love.
When you walk into a room, your actions resemble a wrecking ball. You haphazardly strike down everything you touch. Leaving behind carnage in your wake. The path you cut resembles a tornado bent on vast destruction.
You and I have had this discussion many times, but to no avail. You said you were going to change. You promised you would recognize your untoward ways, but you seem to exhibit no compassion, no shame, and no regret.
Just this past week, you pushed yourself into a situation that I had under control. But control seems to be something that you want for yourself and yourself only.
Your desire for control is destroying me from the inside out. As you exert your harried measures, my heart begins to beat faster and feels as if it is going to jump out of my chest. I know you have seen the unruly vein in the side of my neck pouncing wildly. My mind is affected too. It spins out of control like a snowball in an avalanche, affecting my vision and my thought process. Sweat begins to pour profusely from my body soaking my clothes and bringing a chill to my very soul.
Your consistent lack of concern for not just me, but the others around me has backed me into a corner. Your time here, Sir, has lost its value.
This decision is not being made lightly, but it is without any doubt that you have presented yourself as a continual nuisance. Your deeds mimic those of a run-away train. Your continual lack of concern for others and the carnage you leave behind has been unsettling.
Many countless hours of sleep have been sacrificed contemplating this choice. Weighed all my options. I’ve even reached out to many others that know you and I’m sorry to report that you, dear sir, have amassed quite a reputation. The words they spoke when presented with your name are uncaring, self-centered, egotistical, all the while sporting a quasi-narcissistic attitude..
Friendships have been ruined, life-saving appointments have been missed, and legacies have been cut off at the knees. Dear Sir, your ultimate goals have been exposed. You now stand raw and unmasked in front of me. I have no recourse but to let you know that as of this very moment, Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. central time, you, Hurry, ARE FIRED!
Please pack your bags and take your leave. You are no longer welcome here.
Sincerely,
Gaining control over hurry in your life requires a combination of self-awareness, mindfulness, and intentional decision-making. By identifying your priorities, setting realistic goals, and practicing self-care, you can create a more balanced and fulfilling life, free from the constant rush and control of hurry.
Here are some viable calls to action to implement.
1. Identify what really matters to you.
What are your long-term and short term goals and values? I'm a fan of 'micro-goals'. Breaking down the big ones can help you to not only cancel hurry and reduce the need to rush through life, but to also celebrate your 'wins' more often.
2. Be present in the moment.
Hurry doesn't allow mindfulness of being present. It pushes it out of the way like the bully that it is. When we are present in the moment, we have clarity that is not fogged by haste.
3. Allow 'no' to be your friend.
Saying no can be a superpower. It's a boundary that hurry can not jump over. I've developed a tool entitled The 30 Rule. Use this and hurry will disappear before your very eyes.
4. Limit the amount of distractions around you.
Pause technology. Our devices can be both a blessing and a curse. But when we exude the power to control them, it's as easy as flipping a switch to the 'off' position. Trust me, they will still be your friend when you turn them back on:)
Also, create a designated workspace that works for you. Be comfortable in your space. Keep it un-littered and organized and peace will prevail. Sprinkle all of this with a healthy dose of time management and hurry will become a name of the past.
5. Source out what doesn't fit in your schedule.
Delegate is not a dirty word. Even if you are self-employed, the amount of money you spend to outsource can reduce the amount of time you lose if you don't. Don't be afraid of doing this. Set up a separate fund that you add to every month and use it when the need arises. There are many resources you can choose; Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer are just a few of the options out there.
By adopting these and other mindful strategies, you can regain control over hurry and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.
With Vizion, Sue:)