I recently discovered something very powerful that totally changed my experience of working in my business. When it dawned on me I was shocked at the simplicity and also at my own internal resistance against it. Why would I be resisting something that worked for me or felt great? After some reflection I realised that underlying my resistance to this idea was actually just some good old expectation issues. You know, the “should” statements that your mind can make? I should be doing it this way. I should have more clients. I should be getting more done.
I was unconsciously should-ing, much more than I realised. I really was not aware that I had these expectations and so I want to share this realisation with you, in case you can relate too. It has helped me so much and really opened up a space to truly enjoy and be present with my work and my business.
I started to notice that while I was enjoying my work some of the time, there were many times when I would find the to-do list overwhelming. And the goals that I loved and really cared about, were not inspiring but actually intimidating. Then one day I noticed a shift. I had a day where I was absorbed in my work. I felt calm and I was really enjoying the process of what I was working on. At the end of the day I had not only been productive but I had truly enjoyed it all. Without rushing on to the next thing to do, I had taken my time to embrace each task, to be present with it. The result was amazing to me. I had never felt so good, so accomplished and working on “purpose”.
So what had actually happened?
I took the time to look at what I had done differently that day and here’s what I found: When I work at my own pace, it allows me to relax and focus on what is right in front of me. Instead of trying to rush through to maintain some other pace that I think I should be working at. If I actually work at the pace I feel comfortable at, it feels like joyful work and I get plenty done.
It’s simple, right? If you’re already doing this- hats off to you, well done! For some reason I had not put it together. Then I wondered, where did this idea come from? This idea that I had to be working at a certain speed, to be going at a certain pace? I’ve concluded there are a number of influences, some being an inclination to perfectionism, expecting instant results, being influenced by the latest personal development ideas on productivity and the old favourite- fear. All played a part in me feeling that I needed to be working at a certain pace. Of course the key is not to disregard everything that you have learnt to date about time management and productivity, rather it’s a matter of applying it in a way that works best for you and implementing it at your own rate of production.
After discovering this idea I realised I just needed to allow myself to slow down, to work at the pace that I enjoy. Having a plan is important, with a step-by-step process laid out. Then it’s just a matter of taking it one step at a time, in your own time. Working at a pace you feel comfortable with will totally change your experience of your work. Not only will you feel better but you will feel more engaged in what you’re doing and as a result, feel more “on your purpose”. And who doesn’t want more of that?