Improve your life; slow down

99-SECOND READ

'Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.'

Lao Tzu


You are probably busy, busy doing lots of things, but do you know why really know what, and why?


The truth is we live in a busy world, where more is considered better. We default to the idea that the more we DO the more we will have, gain or achieve. Being busy is associated with achievement, success and therefore self-worth. But being so busy doesn’t leave time to consciously improve our life or to fully appreciate it.


When you focus less on doing, you can slow down. When you slow down, you have time to consciously consider WHAT you’re doing, WHY you’re doing it and HOW you’re doing it. The answers to these three questions unlock the key to improving our happiness and well-being.


Our busy lives of doing also get in the way of us being. Being present in the moment, being mindful and being grateful for all the important and amazing things we already have. You can become much happier and in turn feel more positive, energised and empowered by making time to appreciate and notice what you have.


The top complaints about life in western culture are about health, relationships and workplace issues (emptiness, overwork, stress or boredom). All these things are linked together – how we show up or feel in one area of our life has a huge impact on how we show up everywhere else. These areas of your life didn’t just happen, you created them. Gaining awareness of the WHAT, HOW & WHY in these areas allows you to improve them.


Examples:


Why am I stressed at work? Why do I behave like that?


How is my behaviour contributing to this problem? How do I want to feel?


What could I do to change this? What is the fear that is stopping me?


Why does this fear stop me? How could I overcome it? What would my life look like if I did?


Slowing down creates space to consciously examine, appreciate and question your life, empowering you to improve it.

Subscribe to Work-Life Harmony Wednesdays to receive a free weekly email that will help you live a more healthy, balanced and fulfilling life.


Written by Simon Tomkins

12 July 2023

Get my weekly email

Reduce stress, gain control of your time and find more balance.

Subscribe to The 99-Second Newsletter

by Simon Tomkins 24 July 2026
How to set boundaries
by Simon Tomkins 24 July 2026
Is stress damaging your relationship?
by Simon Tomkins 13 July 2026
Permission to play more padel
by Simon Tomkins 7 July 2026
An £8,000 lesson
by Simon Tomkins 7 July 2026
Pulled in too many directions?
by Simon Tomkins 6 July 2026
The Gift of Enjoyment
by Simon Tomkins 3 July 2026
Ambition vs Satisfaction
by Simon Tomkins 17 June 2026
Taking time out
by Simon Tomkins 17 June 2026
Self Accountability
by Simon Tomkins 16 June 2026
Self-Imposed Pressure
by Simon Tomkins 16 June 2026
A simple way to find more balance
by Simon Tomkins 11 March 2026
Work-life Balance; Quality over Quantity
More posts