Do you sometimes want to know the answer to something, or the outcome of a situation, right NOW? Do you sometimes rush to get a project, or an errand, done? Do you sometimes walk as if you are walking through a bad neighborhood when you are not? In your hurry, do you sometimes break a dish, make a mistake, or feel anxious?
In a Hurry…in a Worry?
When you are in a hurry, it is likely that worry, or another negative emotion, is present. I’m not talking about the “I have 10 minutes to get to my appointment” hurry where the root cause is typically a time management issue (see “Time Management & Time Consciousness”). I’m talking about self-imposed hurry that comes from an emotional or mental place. Examples include “I need to work faster (to be/feel valued)” or “I need to have the answer now (to be/feel in control).”
Perhaps you are in a hurry to talk to someone, to state your “case”, to produce a result, to get an answer, or to know why something did or didn’t happen. This type of hurry comes from a place of fear, desire to control someone or something, or anxiety.
“Do not be in a hurry to tie what you cannot untie.” Proverb
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” St. Francis de Sales
What is Going on?
What are we really doing when we are in a hurry? Maybe we should look at what we are not doing when we are in a hurry. We are not in acceptance, we are not living in the present moment, we are not patient, we are not trusting, and we are not calm or patient. Being in a hurry does not yield the best decisions, outcomes or relationships. Your best decisions and outcomes are typically realized when you are calm, accepting, and patient. Please see “Acceptance and Patience.”
“No one can get inner peace by pouncing on it.” Harry Emerson Fosdick
Life = Experiences
We are the sum of our experiences, so why rush through your life experiences? If you want the future to be now, then you are missing the experience of the present; essentially, you are missing your life.
Sometimes it is best to take the slow road and enjoy the ride, the scenery, and your fellow travelers.
Very Smart Girls pause when they find themselves in a hurry.
I would love to hear your thoughts.
photo credit: fatboyke (Luc)
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
In the past, I was one of the people with “time-sickness”. I was always feeling rushed and overcommitted. Several years ago, I was driving to an appointment. I was rushing and angry at slow drivers who got in my way. I could feel my heart racing and a tightness throughout my body, especially my neck and shoulders. Then I took a look at what was going on. I was very early. There was no need to rush, but it was a habit. Rushing was so ingrained in me that it’s taken years to finally slow down. I was laid off a year and a half ago and am just now at the point that I don’t feel the need to rush. Actually, I may have gone too far the other way as I haven’t felt motivated to accomplish much over the last several months. My goal is to find a middle place.
Elaine,
Hmm….”time-sickness”…I have never heard of that term, but it fits! I acknowledge you for your awareness that rushing can actually be an unnecessary habit- I had not thought of that, although I have known people to be habitually late. As for your intention for balance- you go girl!
This is a great piece! It’s so very true! Being in college, you get the feeling that everything needs to be done “now, now, now” when in reality, if you just calm down, a weight is lifted off your shoulders.
Lizzy-Lou,
You cleary are a Very Smart College Girl! Thank you so much for sharing your insights.
Jo-Ann,
Loved this. I never thought about how when we rush things we actually miss out on alot and don’t appreciate the moment.
Thanks for the insight.
Roxanne
Roxanne,
Time moves on with or without us being 100% present! Thank you for your comment. Jo-Ann
Jo-Ann,
Even though I am a boy
, I completely agree with you. When you are head-down, full-steam, you don’t have time to experience the thought that lead you to make decisions. When this occurs, you get no richness from what you’ve done, you don’t learn new things and you are cursed to repeat mistakes you’ve made. Great article, and you published at the perfect time for it to have the most impact on me, personally. Thanks!
Ryan
Ryan,
Thank you for reminding me that when we go too fast, we are apt to make the same mistakes again and again. Glad the timing of this article was perfect for you!
Jo-Ann
Great thoughts Very simple & practical advice for a daughter preparing to go to college or a dad preparing to make dinner thanks
john,
Thank you for your comment. I agree, it doesn’t matter what you are doing, we can all slow down and be more present in the moment.