Ever feel like you’re driving at high speed or on autopilot throughout the tasks in your life?  With the creation of your own speed zones, start matching your energy expenditure to the actual speed required!  You’ll feel more in-charge of your energy and your responses throughout the day. #selfcare 

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“So, when do you want to be in the School Zone and go 15 mph?”  I asked. 

“Well, I would say when I am doing some serious strategic thinking; when I am trying to connect the dots or make sense out of the data.  It might also be when one of my kids really needs me and I have to remind myself to really listen.  I don’t want to make mistakes or rush or say something hurtful.  Slower is better here.  How do I do that?”

This exploration of linking life (both work and personal) activities to various “speed zones” was a surprise metaphor that emerged in a coaching session with one of my executive clients. We were discussing just how much she was able to rest and actually sleep.  She had recently experienced two, 10-hour nights plus naps during her holiday. I asked her,

“What do you think your body is trying to say to you?”

“Slow down!” she replied. 

As she pondered how she could continue to listen to her body into 2022 especially as things ramp back up at work and with her kids at school, she said,  

“I need to be more intentional.  When I am off, my body knows what to do.  I need to figure out how to go the speed limit.  And, first I need to figure out what the speed limit is!”

 This client is stretched in many different roles:

• A recently promoted executive leader for a high-tech company,
• a mom of a pre-teen and teen who are both super active in travel soccer and dance,
• a spouse to her husband who works two jobs,
• a friend who never has enough time to spend.

“Shall we keep going with this speed zone metaphor?” I asked.

“Sure, why not?”

So,  we explored what relates to which basic speed zones:

 “What part of your life would you want to be at a school zone? 15 mph?”

 “Planning, strategizing, thinking about my future and my family’s future…moments of deep thought. I like to take my time with big decisions I have to make as opposed to last minute decision…then there is the Massages (low and slow speed).”

“What about Neighborhoods? What speed are they and when do you drive that speed?

“Neighborhoods are 25 mph. Spending time with family and friends and colleagues.  Taking a moment to not rush to do stuff but to fellowship.  Meeting with people for the first time/networking with them.  Fellowship with friends individually (e.g., girlfriend that I need to go do a trip with).  Vacationing. Not scripted. Live in the moment. Special meals.”

 “Basic freeway speed?”

“Freeway is 55 mph. Oh my gosh, I never go the speed limit. I think this would be where I have to be moving and shaking – getting my kids to their activities and events on time.  And, for work, this is where I would be actually executing on the strategy I plan.  Identifying those tasks that are quick wins/hits.  Cooking (get it done and over with – week nights). 

“Finally – what about the Audubon Freeway where there are no speed limits?”

 “I can’t think of anything. I guess breathing.  ER – mommy zone.”

So what are your “Speed Zones?” How would you divvy up your tasks and activities within those speed zones?  And, how could you do this? I believe this is linked to your level of presence and awareness at any given moment. Actually noticing what you are getting into both personally and professionally and relationally. Then, associate it with a speed zone that makes sense to you. And, here is the engagement part – really embody it – get into the mind/body state of that speed zone.  It might look something like this: 

Step 1:  Breathe. Pause and breathe as you enter into a new activity. Center on this breath. Feel your feet on the floor, rooted and your hands in your lap.  Breathe. 

Step 2:  Recognize what you are about to get into…. What kind of task/activity?

Step 3:  Locate where this activity might be located in your body – ask yourself, “where do I feel this? “What speed zone does my body most desire to be in for this?”

Listen for an answer.

 Step 4: Visualize you in that speed zone and what it looks and feels like (e.g., while you are actually driving it).

 Step 5: Try to match your energy with that speed zone. Notice if you need to speed up or slow down or even just stop.  Calm a racing heartbeat through more breathing.  Amp up by standing up and doing some high knees, jumping jacks or a brisk walk (of course, as long as you are NOT actually driving)!

You Choose!

You and your health benefit, your colleagues benefit and your loved ones benefit!  And, maybe you will avoid a speeding ticket!