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  • 5 Ways to Slow Down and Increase Life Quality

5 Ways to Slow Down and Increase Life Quality

January 20, 2013 — 8 Comments

Life can be stressful.  It moves so fast, and there are so many demands.  Slowing down is a big goal for me in 2013.  I’m also working towards some very big business goals.  I want to win at life and business.  Which means more results, and less stress.

Slow Down and Increase Life Quality by Todd Liles

cc by cohdra

Decreasing stress is very important to me.  Life can grind away my sanity.  Between family, work, and personal goals; I move too fast.

Slowing down is hard for me to do.  I usually fail at it.  But there is great value in slowing down.  I will be more intentional about being slow this year.

Why you should Go Slow

  1. Life is short.  You will waste it in a hurry.
  2. Slowing down improves the quality of your time.
  3. The journey is long.  You can’t sprint forever.
  4. God made us to Surge.  Surging are brief moments of intensity.
  5. Rest is good for the soul.

You would agree that slowing down is good for the mind, soul, and body.  The great American life (one that I buy into in large part) says “Go faster, go faster, go faster.”

I say, why not slow down, and increase life quality?

Here is my plan for 2013.  It is not perfect, but I’m going to do it.

5 Ways to Slow Down and Increase Life Quality

#1 Get paid more

Time is valuable.  I haven’t always gotten my value.  In 2013, I will get paid more.  This will free up time.  I also believe it will allow me to serve my clients with greater focus.

#2 Take more time off

Rest is so key!  In 2013, I am going to take 4 weeks off of personal time.  I admit it now, I may cheat a little.  I may use 2 of those weeks to attend seminars.  I love learning!  But 2 of those weeks, I’m going to play.

#3 Say “No” more often.

Ray Edwards says that his default answer is “No,” until he knows he should say “Yes.”  That’s great advice.

#4 Turn off my phone.

I can step away from the computer.  Not a problem, because I have 1 in my pocket.  In 2013, I’m committed to turning off my phone after 6.  (This is a really hard 1 for me.)

#5  Get up early, and go to bed early.

If I’m up before everyone else, I don’t miss out on them.  I also sleep better when I get up early.

Those are my Big 5 ways to slow down and increase life quality.

Question:  What tips do you have for me on increasing life quality?  What have been some of the things you have done to improve your life quality?

In Health , , , , , , , , ,
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Todd Liles

Todd Liles

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I am Todd Liles, and this is my personal blog. It is focused on "Living Well." I follow Christ, I lead my family, and teach at Service Excellence Training. Get more of Todd on Google+.
  • http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon

    Over the holidays I had almost two weeks off in a row – something I’ve never done before. It was great…and those extended times are really the only way to disconnect. I am not sure I like “no” being the immediate response – at least not for me at this part of my life…looking forward to the new opportunities to come my way to say YES to.

    • http://www.toddliles.com/ Todd Liles

      Tom, I can relate to wanting to say “Yes” to everything.  And, I think that saying yes a lot can be important to a good start.   But, the more in demand you become, the more important guarding your time becomes as well.  I think that is what Ray Edwards was referring to.
      ——– Original message ——–

      • http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon

        I’m with you!

  • Lulu

    I think saying “no” will help you stick to all your goals. I use to think as a Christian I should say yes, yes, yes – until I dropped. You know – that one life to live, one life to give mentality. Life has brought some wisdom. You cannot do all things well. How honoring is that to God? So although I don’t say “no” automatically – I will say “let me think about it” and have worked on loosing the guilt at saying no. Once you do it a few times you will find it very liberating. If you are not too busy you can hear God’s leading and know to say “yes” to the best.

    • http://www.toddliles.com/ Todd Liles

      I like the part about doing the “best” work.  For me, that’s why saying “no” is important.  I can’t give my best to everything I can say “yes” to.  I also don’t want to leave someone hoping on me, if I don’t want the work.
      ——– Original message ——–

  • http://www.facebook.com/myladydonna Donna Jackson

    Son,
    Believe it or not I have a great problem with saying no. I ponder, worry I have hurt someone’s feelings, feel like I have let them down, etc. and this is not good for any one’s health. When I tell a person no, it seems like I dwell on it for a while. I don’t like rejection and that is what I feel like I have done to that individual, but I really have’nt/. People will take advantage of a person like me, and it is my own fault. I am going to try better this year in saying no, after all people don’t mind telling me no. Bottom line I feel they want the service, but don’t want to put out sevice themselves. Why should they, when a person want say no. Yes, the older you get the faster time goes. Enjoy your rest, time with your family, say no to eating out and enjoy home-cooked meals. I know you are on a busy scheldule, but those fast foods or restaurant meals are not good for you no more than a bowl of ice cream is. That will increase your tryglicyrides, cholesterol level and all.
    your greatest fan
    mom -01-22-2012
    -

  • http://www.facebook.com/bretwill Bret Williams

    Todd, great to see the intentionality in your living! I will be working on my to NOT do list this year! Good luck with the getting “unplugged” idea!
    P.S. How cool is it that your MOM comments on your blog!

    • http://www.toddliles.com/ Todd Liles

      My mom is my biggest fan!   I’ve done pretty good on unplugging.   My low level stress has been much lower.
      ——– Original message ——–