You’re Moving Fast, But Where Are You Going?

 

 

Years ago when I was a trial attorney in a fast-paced Boston law firm, I was constantly moving at the speed of light. I scurried around the hallways of the firm. I worked late. I ate poorly. I was sure Minute Rice was somewhere on the food chart.  I was also sure I was, as they say, going somewhere.  

And then a dear friend suggested to me that my behavior reminded her of a “gerbil on a wheel”. “It seems like you’re running as fast as you can from something instead of towards something.” Though I adamantly denied it at the time, she was right. And despite the fact that it took me years and years to see and change my behavior, it remains one of the single most impactful comments anyone has ever made to me.

I’ve met lots of fellow wheel travelers over the years. Are you one of them? Do you feel like you have to move as fast as you can? Do you know why? Is it towards your goal? Or away from something you’d rather not confront? 

Suggested Action Items:

1. In the near future, give yourself permission to get off the wheel. Take time to reflect on where you’re really going. 
2. Once you know where you’re going, you’ll need a plan to help you reach your goal. Begin to identify the specific strategies you’ll need to implement in order to achieve your goal.