Part 2: Slow is Fast
In April of 2020 I was laid off from my full-time position as a Director. For the first time in my 15+ year career I was jobless, and it felt like my life had come to a sudden halt. My best laid plans to elevate my career no longer applied. We were in the height of the pandemic and my field was navigating significant funding cuts. So, I hopped into my trusty “speedboat” and sped across Solution Lake to the Next Phase of Life Marina. I hit wave after wave, coming down with an almighty thud every time. Wave: I considered going back to school, thud: more schooling was a crutch. Wave: I searched for a role outside my field, thud: another field required me to step back in responsibility. Wave: possible immediate solution, thud: dead end and disappointment. Wave: Panic and fear. This final wave sent me airborne and the thud felt like a colossal slam. After sitting with those emotions for a time, I decided to try another way and got my red "canoe".
The metaphor of “paddling” helped me move out of a 'pressure' headspace into a more exploratory one, and it's here that I realized I wanted to start my own business. If you had asked me about this a year ago, you would have been the recipient of a resounding NO! From the speedboat, I couldn’t see entrepreneurship as a viable possibility. When you paddle you give yourself the permission to slow down and the freedom to reflect, to notice details, to sense changes, to explore inlets and islands up-close. You create the space to just be, to even stop paddling and float with the current in that moment. And it’s in these moments that we can reflect and gain insight. I realized I was in social services because I wanted to impact the people working there – People Strategy and Innovation were my passions. I realized my fears and worries were my internal saboteur trying to keep me in my comfort zone, in survival mode. Fear and worry can often be an indication that we are pressing into those boundaries and expanding our comfort zone - this is what thriving looks like. I was stepping out into an opportunity for growth. It's from this space that I was able to see more clearly the impact I wanted to have in the world and that entrepreneurship was a viable way to achieve those goals.
Which One, and When?
There will be times when we genuinely need the speedboat mentality - when the problem and solution are clear and straightforward. When A clearly equals B, then go for it. That being said, when A could equal B, C, D, or Z or when you're not starting with A at all, or when you have A, but it doesn't align with anything that makes sense; then resist the urge to barrel forward quickly - get into your canoe instead!
As I build Ginomai Consulting and Training, I continue to learn so much through the momentum of this canoe mentality. It’s from here that we can see possible connections, notice gaps and design solutions, be creative and innovative, and continually gain new insights for future decisions. Let's be clear, this space isn’t without its waves. But, in a canoe they’re easier see, plan for, and navigate. You have time to pivot the boat in the right direction, to stabilize yourself, to notice the characteristics of the wave as you go over it, and observe how the boat responds. And then you can make adjustments for the next wave. As we make those adjustment we learn more about the boat, the water, the situation, and possible next steps start to come into focus. When we slow down and flow in these spaces of in-between, transition and process, we can start to see more clearly the direction to proceed and what decisions to make that lead to the best results.
The challenge sometimes is just being willing to slow down long enough. Are you?
How To "Canoe"
It's starts with getting in the right headspace. But how? Especially for those of us who aren't drawn to traditional meditative approaches. Start flexing your right-brain "muscle". Make time for barrier free activities, space where you're free to pull out all the stops and put all potential options on the table without judgement. Start doing activities for the sheer enjoyment of it, with no agenda other than to be engaged. It's a practice, just like meditation or yoga, so be patient and willing to step into something new. Pick an activity that doesn't have a clear end goal. For me these are:
Paddling - take your canoe, paddle board, kayak out for a paddle. The goal is to paddle and be present and notice what's around as you move, not to get from point A to B.
Hiking - notice nature - the smells, the sounds, the sights. Just practice noticing and making a mental note of what's showing up.
Writing - I like to write articles and stories. Others might enjoy journaling. Dump your thoughts as they flow to you onto a piece of paper and notice what other trains of thought start showing up - go explore them. You might be amazed that what you learn from this brainstorming.
Gardening - need practice with patience? Take up gardening. I nearly killed my Irises discovering this activity (that's for another article), but I learned that patience and slowing down can reap wonderful benefits.
Painting - just paint. Put paint on a canvas without any preconceived agenda to create a particular image - this way you can't decide at the end if it's good enough or done the "right" way. Take time to notice the details, how the colours blend, the direction and shape of the brush strokes. Anxiety provoking? I dare you to try it.
Explore and discover something new. Is there a topic, issue, or area that you find interesting - do a google search about it, find an author or researcher who's field it is and see what they have to say about it. Look at both sides of the argument - the yeah and nay sayers. What did you learn that you didn't know before and how can you share that knowledge with others?
I am so curious to know how it goes for you, whether is a new practice for you or not, there's always so much value and insight from spending time in these spaces of slow. Remember this - "slow" isn't static and it doesn't require you to stop - it's still forward momentum. It's just more deliberate, calculated, conscious and focused.
#HappyPaddling #SlowIsFast
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