As I sit here and record this podcast in August 2020, I can’t help but think about a quote: “We have been springing a marathon for the past five months.” How would we have behaved differently if we would have known that this would not be a two-week ordeal? How can you think about this in your life? Are we striving for something but perhaps overlooking the enjoyment of the journey itself? We might need to stop, to pivot, to slow down.
[3:11] I share story #7 from Stephen Covey’s book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” The point is: There are times in our lives when we need to just stop. How do we do it? How do we get off the crazy train that we have made, sometimes, by choice. It may have been the path you thought was best.
[5:00] Step #1: As yourself: Why do I need to stop? “Insanity is continuing to do the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.” While it might feel easier to stay on the crazy train, it might not be what is best for you. That realization might motivate you to take the first step off the train. Every moment that you are not making a move is stealing a moment of joy on the other end of your life where you could have just started the process sooner.
[10:57] Step #2: How do you know when? I share a personal example and a business example. What are you using to cover up whatever emotions or bigger challenges you are feeling? (For example, coffee, wine, a packed schedule, overworking). Listen to your body, your soul, your heart and bring to light things you may be hiding.
When is it the right time to stop in business? I share another story as well as what I did to overcome it. It is important to know you are not that important. Make the changes you need to make with integrity and transparency. It is also important to know that you are that important to you. Stopping is what you should do because you are that important to you. Without stopping the train, you are hurting those around you vs. helping them.
[23:17] What does stopping look like? If you feel like you are ready to stop, a tool in your toolbox is education, perspective, podcasts/books. Council and learn, then experiment to see what works. Be intentional, sharpen your saw, do something different from the way you may have been doing it. This may also include signing up for therapy, signing up for a book club, attending church, practicing gratitude daily, hiring a nanny, etc.
From a business perspective, I used leverage to stop the train. I had amazing people I was able to turn to and say “I need help.” I had to remember that I am not that important, that other people can do the job just as good as me, if not better than me. My relationship, my heart, my life were important enough to help me draw that line in the sand.
Ask yourself, “Do I like myself when I am by myself?” What do I enjoy doing? Is stopping the train allowing me to do these things? I am not saying that you need to overhaul your life. You may need to tweak. Avoid becoming a bystander in your own life. Don’t be afraid to stop. Take action. What does stopping look like? I know this is a journey and I am so grateful that I did the work when I did it. I encourage you to make yourself a priority. You are never too busy to prioritize yourself.
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