Have you ever done something because you saw someone else doing it?

Have you ever embarked on a journey because you were coerced into it?

Have you considered that perhaps you could be perceived as insufficient and unreliable because you weren't able to deliver in a certain way?

I'm sure your answers to these are yes, right?

 These and many more are questions we may have asked ourselves either currently or at a certain stages of our lives.

Many people are lost now and discouraged because of their attempt to meet up with their friends or even other individuals in society whose lives move very fast with achievements that come in the blink of an eye. It could be that they approached success in the wrong way.

In order to live slowly in a fast paced world, the first step for me is to know that you're unique. Certain things happen to people at different times, but first, you have to understand yourself as well as your unique features. This includes living at your own timing, knowing who you are, what you want in life, how you respond to situations and how you handle situations. 

There's a scripture from the Bible that I love. It said “The labour of the foolish wearieth him”. If you do things in the wrong way, you'll end up feeling over-stimulated but under-nourished, hence, take things slowly. As long as you're intentional, your productivity is certain.

What does it mean to live slowly?

@theslowlivinggirl on pinterest

Living slowly means choosing depth over speed. It is prioritizing quality over quantity, making intentional decisions instead of moving by impulse. It means doing what truly matters and doing it well whilst maintaining a positive attitude even in the face of challenges.

Furthermore, you have to understand that your purpose in life and how much it matters. So, taking things slowly will not only refine you but also give you more clarity.

Giving in to anu form of pressure will do you more harm than good. This is because you're responsible for your life, so choose what you want and what works for you, but surely, you have to be intentional, or you'll be slow and lazy instead of being productive. It's better to be slow and steady than to be fast and fall. A lot can be done while living slowly—you can even build your strength in there.

How can you live slowly in a fast-paced world? 

Living slowly, especially in a fast-paced world, can make one develop the feeling of being behind in life but still rewarding. 

How can you achieve this?

• Set boundaries : pay attention to the kind of friends you surround yourself with as well the conversations you engage in. Boundaries are the limits to which you relate to people. They are the rules by which you live, whether convenient or not, which can later on be extended and understood by other people. Setting boundaries can allow you to channel your energy and essence into something meaningful. It can also allow you to focus on your priorities at work and in your personal life rather than being crowded by people's needs and opinions.

• Create daily habits: Create daily habits that you can stick to through consistency. It could be writing a to-do list every night before you go to bed in order to wake up planned out for the next day. It could also be speaking to your loved ones in the noisy morning or looking at your vision board. As long as it brings you a step closer to your purpose.

• Unplug from the noise: Some people find it interesting to distract others and make them feel pressured, avoid situations and people like that as soon as you can. It could be the internet (Social media platforms), It could be your friends or even your family. Stay away from anything likely to make you pressured.

• Reflect often: Always take out time to reflect and evaluate your past actions and decisions so as to make sure you're doing the right things and you are on track.Just do the needful. Ask yourself some questions and check for ways to improve.

Remember,  live slowly but mindfully, stay steady, focused, and productive.

I hope this works for you!

CO-WRITTEN BY PRAISE CHIAMAKA