Something that's been coming up a lot for me lately, personally and with clients, is "slowing down" and "one thing at a time"...
Personally - We had visitors last week. These were friends of Nick's (my partner) that I had never met and it was really nice to finally get a chance to know each other. At one point, Nick made a joke (lovingly) about how my mind is always going a mile a minute. It's true. Maybe it's a symptom of my ADHD. Nevertheless, I often get antsy and frustrated when his mind won't keep up. I tend to be three or four thoughts ahead.
His comment was not a criticism and it was sweet, but it stuck with me. A racing mind is tiring, and inefficient.
Being with Nick has taught me so much. Oftentimes when something bugs you about a person it's an invitation to take a look at yourself. Nick's pace has been that for me. Watching him has taught me that life can be more enjoyable (and you can still get stuff done) if you slow down.
One way I've implemented Nick's lesson lately is with this blog. Rather than making it something I have to fit into my Monday, I've restructured my Monday to make writing the main focus. I work slowly and mindfully until it's done. I'm enjoying it SO. MUCH. MORE! I mean, I always enjoyed writing these messages to you, but it just feels next level now.
With Clients - During a session with a client last week I noticed that she was getting overwhelmed. We had been mapping out a plan for how she wanted to set up her business and the energy shifted. "It just feels like a lot. How am I going to do that?" She said, referring to something way ahead on the map.
"You don't have to know that now, though," I reminded her. "We're not there yet. Look at all of the steps that come before that one. By the time you get there, you'll have done all of those steps and you'll be ready".
One thing at a time.
When you have a mind that goes a mile a minute, you tend to jump ahead. Can you relate? It can be super overwhelming. It happens to me too. All the time.
The practice of slowing down, one thing at a time, just looking at what's right in front of me, has really been helping. I hope it might help you too. My own coach sometimes says "reel yourself back in" I use that analogy with my clients too. When you are spinning out, literally reel yourself back in. I sometimes even use my hands to make the motion of reeling in a fishing line. Ask yourself, "What's here now? What am I working on right here, right now? And take your time.