As successful leaders, many of us take pride in being able to multi-task. We’re constantly busy, rushing from one task to the next, because that way we feel we are accomplishing more. But, as Bobbie LaPorte explains in her June 27 “Your Best Next Move” video, research has shown that rushing doesn’t actually save that much time—and it can negatively impact your ability to think, plan, and solve problems.
Transcript of Your Best Next Move: “The Myth of Rushing” is a Waste of Time
Hi everyone, Bobbie LaPorte here again with my weekly leadership tip for your Best Next Move, where I help you see continuing curveballs as an opportunity. This year, I will help you actively use your personal agency to accelerate what you want to accomplish in 2022.
This week I want to talk about “The Myth of Rushing.” You are probably thinking…. wait, what? Rushing?
Well, if you think about it, many of us feel we are not relevant and contributing if we are not “busy,” always running from one task to another.
We pride ourselves on our ability to multi-task. When someone asks us “How are you,” we don’t hesitate to reply,” I am busy, swamped, booked back-to-back.” Like it’s somehow a badge of honor.
We also somehow equate being busy with being accomplished. Which is rarely the case.
So how does this relate to my intro comment about “The Myth of Rushing.”
Well, we often rush from one thing to another, reading our emails, checking our phones, wolfing down breakfast while getting the kids off to school, etc. We believe that all this “rushing” allows us to accomplish more, but in reality, that’s not true. Our brains don’t work that way.
When we are rushed, we activate our sympathetic nervous system, which allows us to focus but does not allow for creativity, problem-solving, inspiration, and seeing what’s possible – all critical skills leaders need to be successful in our increasingly, complex world.
We get stuff done…but rarely with the outcome, we are seeking.
Research shows that rushing saves us only 4%-5% in time spent, but it significantly increases stress for marginal benefits. And this type of stress compounds over the course of days, weeks, and months until we reach burnout.
Here’s my tip:
Identify your rushing hotspots.
Consider a time during the day – maybe it’s getting to work, to the gym, to pick up your kids, meeting friends after work…
DON’T RUSH. Give yourself an additional 5-10 minutes and see if you don’t still get what you need done but with less stress and better outcomes.
I appreciate that this will not change for you overnight…. but give it a try.
That’s my tip for this week. I’ll see you next Monday.