An 800% slower life and business

All the attention on slowed down songs last year had me wondering if we ought not be slowing down instead of constantly looking for ways to speed up.

It seems as if the rationale for a rocket-speed fast lane life is that one can fit more into the limited time we have, yet that is arguably impossible. Enjoyment is enjoyment. More or less of it in a 24-hour period generally provides the exact same amount of satisfaction.

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QspuCt1FM9M

Listening to Justin Bieber 800% slower is one of the more relaxing music experiences I’ve had since Moby’s last track on ‘Play,’ a similarly pleasing piece of ear candy titled, ‘My Weakness.’

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lrq5oGHdrY

Doing virtually everything faster can lead to only larger divisions between what we want and what we need, which in turn leads to a lower quality life — shorter attention spans, greater distraction, shorter amounts of free time, smaller levels of satisfaction, worse health, less time to reflect and learn, decisions made under duress, more danger, less sleep, less happiness.

A focus on moving slower allows for greater quality in nearly every respect. Quality of work, quality of life, quality time, well-informed decisions, greater satisfaction, time to reflect and learn, more sleep, better health, more security, more happiness.

Perhaps our weakness is our focus on speed – as in the tortoise and the hare.

Would an 800% slower business be any less successful than one moving at lightspeed? It depends on your vision of success.

FedEx probably ought to stick with the hi-speed thing, but if your business model does not include ‘superfast’ maybe you ought to try slowing down a bit. Reflecting on what works can provide fuel for greater effectiveness, enjoyment and success, but only if you slow down to look at it. Maybe not 800%, but make it significant so you can feel the difference.