Teri Burgos-Gutierrez, Corporate Trainer

Teri Gutierrez is a corporate trainer, author, speaker, and web columnist. She can be reached at gutierrez_teri@yahoo.com.

SLOWING DOWN AT WORK

“We’ve come a distance, but we still have a distance to go. ” --Anonymous

 Life in the workplace, with its innumerable and immeasurable demands, has a way of sapping our energy that so little inclination is left to anticipate the future or enjoy a more quiet kind of life. We just want to make it through the day or simply get things over and done with at work.

Life is like a race- track

         Why do we race so much? What drives us? Why are we going so fast? But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can beat the system before it beats you to a frazzle. You need to slow down and help yourself rediscover something you already possess---and that is the gift of time. Writer Lily Tomlin said: “For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” Putting it simply, take a few minutes daily to rest and ponder what is worthwhile about living. Stop moving in circles long enough to come to a rest and consider your next action. Just what is it you want to do?

Slow-down

         Pausing for a moment here and there takes a conscious effort, especially at first, but this will eventually become a habit, and the habit will turn into a way of life. In fact, it will probably become a solid foundation in one’s value system, because we simply cannot live fully or wisely without slowing down, without putting on the brakes, without awareness of each moment and without taking time-out for ourselves.

Time- table for the Self

1. REST because each moment has a richness that takes a lifetime to enjoy. Give yourself a much-needed break.
2. CREATE a place at work where you can go for quiet and recollection. The luxury of your own seat, a walk along the hallway, or a few minutes beside the window can serve as a breather.
3. TAKE time to simply think. Action is good and necessary but it’s likewise fruitful only if you ponder.
4. MAKE time to play. Regardless of your age, your inner child needs re-creation.
5. DIVIDE big jobs into little jobs. Set priorities. Have a time table.
6. LEARN to stand back and let others take their turn as leaders. There will always be new opportunities for you to lead again. Listen to others and give them the chance to be heard too.
7. READ books because it enriches the mind. Be a voracious reader. Reading makes a wise man.
8. DIRECT your life with purposeful choices not with speed and accuracy. You are your life’s own director.
9. HAVE a day off alone and dream. Without it, life is merely an existence. Dream! It’s free!
10. COUNT your blessings. At the end of each and every day, you will realize the bountiful gifts you have received.

         Life at work can be so tension-filled, anxiety-laden, and stressful. Have a momentary break. At this point in our lives, children have a lot to offer us. They may not have agendas although they also hope and they have a simple view of life. They are quick to trust and slow to dislike others. They play easily by themselves or with other kids next door. Sometimes, we need to imitate them, becoming child-like without being childish.