The Value of a Slower Life

I love going to Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach, FL. One of my favorite things is driving through the different lands. And, the sign that catches my eye is the one telling you to go slow. Now of course they are telling you to slow down to protect the animals. But, I think there is another reason. If you go too fast you are going to miss all the good stuff. So, when I go through I put the car in idle, and drive as slow as possible. I don’t want to miss the bird I’ve never seen before, or the opportunity for an ostrich to come to my window. Slower is always better at Lion Country. 

The same is true in life. Slower in many cases is better. 

Now let me say that I have loved adrenaline at certain times of my life.  I’m not alone in this. We live in a society that is addicted to excitement and speed. It’s about who wins. Let’s be real. Sometimes it’s good to go fast. When there is an emergency I’m glad the ambulance goes fast. If I was in a race faster wins. 

In most cases however I find that the slower more methodical approach just works better. Imagine me saying to my surgeon who might be doing a delicate operation on me “Please go as fast as possible?” No. That would not be good. 

I also find that when I go slower I focus better. My quality of work is so much better when I take the time to get it right the first time. When I do something right the first time it just takes less time than when I have to correct a mistake. Because, now I have to fix the mistake and then do it right again. Why do double work? For a perfectionistic like me that is incredibly frustrating!

In relationships when I go slower I don’t rush in without checking things out. I find it is better to take my time to get to know someone, and then make a decision on whether I would like to pursue it further. I can’t tell you how many business and relationships I have rushed into and later regretted. Taking my time, checking in with my gut, and then making a decision based on experience is usually better. Now, I am an INFP (sometimes INFJ), so I do sometimes  go in without checking things out. It’s risky though. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. 

What I’m striving for in my life is a more peaceful existence. A life where taking my time becomes the approach. When I have an appointment I leave early. When I have a bill that is due I pay it early. I try to plan better, so I don’t have to rush. I put less on my calendar, so that I have room for the unexpected. I leave time in the evening to get ready for the next day, so I get enough sleep. 

These are just some things that help me in my pursuit of slowing down. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older. Maybe it’s because I’ve had enough of the adrenaline highs and crashes. Maybe it’s because I am embracing my beautiful introverted self. Whatever the reason it seems like I like the slower life better. It fits me better. 

Here is a big surprise. When I pursue slowing down I actually get more done. The quality of my relationships increases. The quality of my work increases. My health increases. I am just a happier guy. Life works in the slow lane for me. It’s not for everyone, but I love it!