Slow Down!

I am headed to the bank to withdraw the down payment for our new building today! The closing is set for next week, or the beginning of the week following. The purchase of this new building has been a journey that has tested me in every conceivable way – physically, mentally and spiritually. Through it all, I have come to realize, most importantly, that I have faith that this is the Lord’s will. 

Throughout this process, I have been impacted by the power of my thinking. I had to slow down, and I really believe that doing so has made me a better leader. I have slowed the rate at which I consume information. I have slowed my mind to be fully present.  I have slowed my expectations of myself and the team. I have slowed my body physically; slower breathing, slower movements, slower eating, slower talking.  I have slowed my thinking, allowing for mental space. I have slowed my listening.  I have slowed communication with my team, and slowed my vision of the future.  

As a result of this slower, more purposeful approach, our team morale is better than it has ever been. I sense excitement in the air – I hear laughing and see hugs – there are stories of life changes being shared.  

I have also observed better participation in meetings and conversations, filled with evidence of abundance thinking; suggestions for growth, and for improved patient experience. Our alignment has never been better as we travel together toward our “future city;” the new building. There is an owner’s mindset within each team member to increase revenues collectively and create an optimal patient experience.  

Suddenly, everything is coming into focus. Momentum is building as we reach altitude in our flight – we need only keep the steady pace and make small adjustments.  

Warning signs that you are going too fast:

• You are exhausted physically, emotionally and spiritually
• You don’t have time to spend with the most important people in your life
• You don’t make time to reflect, think, mediate, refocus
• You are indulging in unhealthy behaviors
• Your thinking is negative and problem-focused 

Slow down………………….

Be quiet…………………..

Be present……………….

Gain clarity……………..

Then, and only then, will you reach the heights that you aspire to, with a measurable impact a year from now that you would not have dreamed possible a year ago.

Grateful to be on this journey with you,

Dr. Matthew Harkness