Slow Your Roll (The Power of Stepping Back)

Before my mastermind retreat a couple weeks ago I was feeling very tired.

Physically exhausted, mentally drained and tired of pushing, almost desperately, towards some personal and professional goals. I’d hit a real wall and there had been little to no synchonistic events in my life causing everything to suddenly seem impossible. Ever been there?

So what happened?

When you’re pushing way too hard, you’re bound to hit this wall. The urgency of getting somewhere RIGHT NOW will leave you stressed, drained and frustrated. Being in this sort of mental state leaves you tired and majorly unproductive, only further fueling the cycle.

Even worse, you’re essentially telling the universe that you don’t trust it to support you, manifest your desires and bring the appropriate opportunities your way.

You stop the flow, putting more pressure on yourself.

You Have to Slow Down to Reignite the Flow

When I realized what was happening, I made a conscious decision to take a step back. I stopped pushing so hard, put my focus on a few priorities and RELAXED.

Amazing things happened.

An awesome new friend and supporter appeared in my life. Not only is she someone I’d been searching for on a personal level, but she came along with something that I needed. Something I’d been pushing hard to find, only to come up empty handed again and again. This something had become an enormous block for me professionally, and she offered it up with a loving smile and generous heart.

Additionally, I’ve been absolutely bursting at the seams with inspiration and clarity. I’ve found a massively productive groove, fine tuned my self care and work routines and am feeling so much joy. Work has started to pick up, projects that stalled out are moving forward and my goals feel possible again.

How to Reignite the Flow in YOUR Life

First, get honest with yourself.

Are you pushing too hard? Burning yourself out? Frantically trying to make something happen RIGHT THIS MINUTE? Are you stressed? Depressed? Physically and emotionally exhausted?

The first step is acknowledging the pattern. Do this with zero judgment. Simply recognize how you may be pushing too hard and the ways in which it’s effecting your life.

Second, SLOW. DOWN.

Take a step back and stop pushing so hard. I promise this will not make you any less productive than you will be if you keep pushing like you are. If you don’t take some time to relax and trust in the universe, you’re going to run yourself straight into the ground, without accomplishing a single thing.

Take a hot bath, go to the park, play with your cat… call up your mom AND best friend. Order your favorite take out and pop in your favorite movie. Rest, relax, recover. The universe has your back and will be making moves in your favor while you’re taking this time out for yourself.

Third, clearly state your intentions.

Why are you pushing so hard? What is it that you want to create and what do you need to show up in your life to create it? Get clear about your intentions and ask the universe, God or your higher power for support and guidance. Create a vision board, journal about your goals… put it out there.

Lastly, prioritize what’s really important.

Once you’ve placed your order with the universe, use this clarity to set some real priorities. What is important for you to do in order to pave the way for these things to manifest in your life? How can you do this without burning yourself out?

Remember that self care is ALWAYS a top priority. Without taking the time to nurture your body, mind and soul, you’re setting yourself up for burnout! Keep yourself fueled so that when the universe delivers your amazing opportunities, you’re ready and able to see them!

Take Action Now!

In what ways are you pushing too hard and wearing yourself down?

Please share your thoughts, insights and “aha” moments in the comments section below!