Slow Down to Go Faster - The Power of Pause | Ralph Simone | TEDxUtica

Summary

The speaker reflects on the significance of ordinary moments and the power of slowing down to enhance productivity and creativity. Inspired by Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee's sparring story, the talk emphasizes the need to focus and be deliberate in our actions. The speaker suggests four experiments to slow down: breathing, eating, easing into the day, and driving slower. These practices create space for grace, allowing for intuition, inspiration, and intention to flourish, ultimately leading to more productive and meaningful lives.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker attended their son's high school graduation, highlighting the importance of reflecting on life's successes and challenges.
• 🕊️ The concept of 'slowing down to go faster' is introduced as a way to enhance productivity and focus.
• 🤔 The idea of slowing down is inspired by Chuck Norris's advice to Bruce Lee about improving martial arts skills.
• 🚦 The speaker humorously recounts getting a speeding ticket on the way to a time management seminar, emphasizing the irony of our need for speed.
• 📈 The speaker points out that despite working harder, Americans are not necessarily more productive, suggesting a need for smarter work habits.
• 🏆 The speaker encourages replacing the word 'busy' with 'focused' to change mindsets and improve quality of life.
• 🧠 Four experiments are suggested to slow down life: breathing slower, eating slower, easing into the day, and driving slower.
• 🌟 Creating space for grace allows for better intuition, inspiration, and intention, leading to more deliberate creation.
• 📅 Key practices for creating space for grace include weekly planning, daily meditation, journaling, and disconnecting from technology.
• 🏞️ A personal story illustrates how slowing down led to a chance encounter with Derek Jeter, demonstrating the power of intention and patience.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speaker's talk about?

The main theme of the speaker's talk is about the importance of slowing down in order to increase productivity and create more meaningful moments in life.

Who is the philosopher mentioned by the speaker that inspired his productivity breakthrough?

The philosopher mentioned by the speaker is Chuck Norris, who shared insights about slowing down to go faster from his book 'The Secret Power Within'.

What martial artist did Chuck Norris have a sparring match with, as mentioned in the talk?

Chuck Norris had a sparring match with Bruce Lee, who was frustrated because he couldn't block any of Norris's kicks.

What irony did the speaker experience on his way to a time management seminar?

The irony was that the speaker got a speeding ticket on his way to a time management seminar, which was being taught to his father who was sitting in the front row.

Why does the speaker suggest that the American work culture's focus on being busy is counterproductive?

The speaker suggests that the American work culture's focus on being busy is counterproductive because it leads to more stress, less focus, and ultimately less productivity, despite working longer hours.

What is the 'B word' that the speaker encourages the audience to replace with the 'F word'?

The 'B word' is 'busy' and the 'F word' is 'focused'. The speaker encourages replacing 'busy' with 'focused' to change the mindset from being constantly rushed to being more intentional and present.

What are the four experiments suggested by the speaker to slow down and increase productivity?

The four experiments suggested are: 1) Breathing slower, 2) Eating slower, 3) Easing into the day, and 4) Driving slower.

How does the speaker define 'space for grace' and why is it important?

The 'space for grace' is defined as the intersection of full attention with the present moment, where one can tap into intuition, inspiration, and intention. It is important because it allows for deliberate creation and manifestation of what one holds in mind.

What are the key practices the speaker recommends to create the space for grace?

The key practices recommended are: 1) Weekly planning, 2) Daily meditation, 3) Daily journaling, and 4) Disconnecting from technology.

Can you provide an example from the talk where slowing down led to a positive outcome?

An example from the talk is when the speaker and his son left a baseball game early due to the son's exhaustion. By slowing down and leaving the game, they coincidentally encountered Derek Jeter at a restaurant, allowing the son to get his autograph.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 Reflecting on Life's Moments

The speaker begins by sharing a personal anecdote of attending their son's high school graduation, a moment of pride and reflection. They emphasize that while such events are significant, it's the ordinary moments that can profoundly impact our lives when we slow down and focus. The speaker humorously reveals that their inspiration for this philosophy of life and productivity surprisingly comes from martial artist Chuck Norris, who advises slowing down to improve speed and timing. The speaker also recounts a personal incident of receiving a speeding ticket on the way to a time management seminar, highlighting the irony of our fast-paced lives that often lead to counterproductive outcomes. The summary calls for a reevaluation of our obsession with speed and busyness, suggesting that it detracts from the quality of life and productivity.

05:00

🏃‍♂️ The Paradox of Slowing Down

In this paragraph, the speaker delves into the concept of 'slowing down to go faster,' suggesting that our constant rush and busyness are not sustainable and negatively affect our lives. They point out the cultural admiration for being busy, which often leads to stress and decreased productivity. The speaker proposes replacing the word 'busy' with 'focused' to change our mindset and improve our efficiency. They introduce four experiments to help slow down and become more focused: breathing slower, eating slower, easing into the day, and driving slower. These experiments are aimed at creating a mindful approach to daily activities, which can lead to better health, relationships, and overall productivity.

10:02

🌟 Creating Space for Grace

The speaker discusses the idea of creating 'space for grace,' a state where full attention meets the present moment, allowing for intuition, inspiration, and intention to guide actions. They emphasize the importance of weekly planning, daily meditation, journaling, and disconnecting from technology to achieve this state. The speaker shares a personal story of how these practices led to a serendipitous encounter with baseball star Derek Jeter, illustrating the power of deliberate creation through slowing down. The paragraph concludes with a call to action for the audience to experiment with these practices to enhance their lives.

15:03

🚀 Deliberate Creation Through Slowing Down

In the final paragraph, the speaker recounts a specific experience where they and their son went to a baseball game with the intention of getting Derek Jeter's autograph. Despite leaving the game early due to their son's fatigue, they followed the intention of going with the flow and ended up encountering Derek Jeter by chance at a restaurant. This story serves as a powerful example of how slowing down and being deliberate in one's intentions can lead to unexpected and positive outcomes. The speaker concludes with a heartfelt thank you, reinforcing the message that slowing down can indeed lead to faster and more meaningful achievements.

Keywords

💡Slowing Down

The concept of 'slowing down' is central to the video's message, advocating for a more deliberate and mindful approach to life and work. It suggests that by taking things slower, one can achieve greater productivity and clarity of thought. In the script, the speaker uses personal anecdotes, such as the speeding ticket incident, to illustrate how the constant rush can lead to counterproductive outcomes. The idea is further supported by the advice to breathe, eat, and ease into the day more slowly, as ways to enhance focus and well-being.

💡Productivity

Productivity is a key theme in the video, with the speaker challenging the conventional belief that being busy equates to being productive. The speaker argues that true productivity comes from focused and deliberate actions, rather than simply being busy. The script mentions how many people are so focused on being busy that they overlook the importance of rest and reflection, which are essential for maintaining high levels of productivity over time.

💡Deliberate Creation

Deliberate creation refers to the intentional act of shaping one's life and experiences through focused thought and action. The speaker uses this term to emphasize the power of intention and mindfulness in achieving desired outcomes. In the context of the video, the speaker shares a story about how setting an intention for a relaxed and enjoyable trip with his son led to a serendipitous encounter with a sports hero, illustrating the concept of deliberate creation in action.

💡Intuition

Intuition is presented as an inner voice or guidance system that can help individuals make better decisions and navigate life more effectively. The speaker suggests that by slowing down, one can tap into their intuition, which is often drowned out by the noise of a fast-paced lifestyle. The script implies that intuition can lead to inspired actions and decisions, contributing to a more fulfilling and successful life.

💡Inspiration

Inspiration is described as a source of purpose and meaning that can motivate individuals to take action and create change. The speaker encourages the audience to seek inspiration by slowing down and being more present, which allows for a deeper connection with one's passions and aspirations. The video suggests that inspiration can be a powerful driver of productivity and fulfillment when individuals are aligned with their true desires and goals.

💡Intention

Intention is portrayed as a powerful tool for manifesting one's desires and shaping the future. The speaker discusses the 'law of intention,' which posits that what one holds in mind is likely to materialize. The script provides examples of how setting clear intentions can lead to specific outcomes, such as the speaker's son meeting his sports hero, which was made possible by being open and receptive to opportunities.

💡Grace

Grace is mentioned as a state of being that emerges when individuals slow down and align their attention with the present moment. The speaker describes grace as a space where intuition, inspiration, and intention can flourish, allowing for more harmonious and effective living. The video suggests that creating a 'space for grace' involves practices like meditation, journaling, and disconnecting from technology, which help to cultivate a more mindful and focused life.

💡Time Management

Time management is a recurring theme in the video, with the speaker critiquing the common approach of cramming as many activities as possible into a day. The speaker argues for a more balanced and intentional use of time, where individuals prioritize quality over quantity and make room for rest and reflection. The script uses the irony of receiving a speeding ticket on the way to a time management seminar to highlight the need for a more thoughtful approach to how we spend our time.

💡Focus

Focus is presented as a more effective and desirable state than being busy. The speaker encourages the audience to replace the term 'busy' with 'focused' to shift their mindset towards clarity and purpose. The video suggests that being focused involves being present, setting clear intentions, and making deliberate choices about how to spend one's time and energy, which can lead to greater productivity and satisfaction.

💡Experiments

Experiments are suggested as a method for individuals to test and implement the concepts of slowing down and becoming more focused. The speaker proposes several experiments, such as breathing slower, eating slower, and easing into the day, as practical ways to experience the benefits of a slower pace. The script uses the idea of experiments to encourage the audience to actively engage with the video's message and try out new habits that can lead to a more mindful and productive lifestyle.

💡Technology Disconnect

Technology disconnect is discussed as a necessary practice for creating space for grace and enhancing focus. The speaker points out the overwhelming nature of constant connectivity and information overload, suggesting that taking breaks from technology can improve attention span and overall well-being. The video encourages the audience to set aside 'scream-free' periods, or times when they are not engaged with digital devices, as a way to cultivate a more balanced and intentional relationship with technology.

Highlights

The importance of slowing down to reflect on life's successes, challenges, and future aspirations.

The concept of focusing on ordinary moments to dramatically change our lives.

Inspiration for productivity breakthroughs can come from unexpected sources, like Chuck Norris.

Bruce Lee's story illustrates the value of slowing down to improve timing and effectiveness.

The irony of receiving a speeding ticket on the way to a time management seminar.

The unsustainable nature of our constant need for speed and its adverse effects on quality of life.

The cultural admiration for busyness and the misconception that it equates to productivity.

The suggestion to replace the word 'busy' with 'focused' to change our mindset and actions.

Experiments to interrupt the pattern of speeding through life, such as breathing slower.

The health and relationship benefits of eating slower.

Easing into the day to reduce stress and increase mindfulness.

The challenge and benefits of driving slower to enhance focus and safety.

Creating space for grace by committing to key practices like weekly planning and daily meditation.

The impact of technology on our attention span and the need to disconnect for mental clarity.

A personal story of how slowing down led to a chance encounter with Derek Jeter.

The power of intention and being present in the moment to create opportunities.

The conclusion that slowing down can lead to more deliberate creation and a higher quality of life.

Transcripts

alright let's get this thing cooking so

I recently had the pleasure of attending

my son's highschool graduation and as

you can imagine particularly parents it

was a proud parenting moment to watch

him receive his diploma to listen to him

address his classmates it was one of

life's big moments that creates an

opportunity to pause and reflect on our

successes our challenges and the things

we're looking forward to but that is not

what I'm going to talk to you about

tonight not those moments what I'm going

to talk to you about are those

staggeringly ordinary moments that can

dramatically change our lives simply by

slowing down slowing down in committing

to a deliberate process of creation that

focuses our attention moment to moment

day to day in year to year now I know

you're probably curious as to where the

inspiration for this productivity

breakthrough came from you might be

thinking of some of the great leadership

gurus Peter Drucker or Stephen Covey or

perhaps even Tony Robbins but you'd be

wrong it came from the great philosopher

Chuck Norris

yeah better than I thought

Texas Texas Ranger now in his book the

secret power within Norris shares a

story about a sparring match he had with

Bruce Lee now for those of you that

aren't familiar with the martial arts

Bruce Lee was arguably the quicker of

the two men but he was really really

frustrated and his inability to block

any of Norrises kicks he just couldn't

understand it just couldn't get it

and with that Norris offered the

following insights you're going too fast

your timing is off you need to slow it

down slow down

to go faster now the irony of me talking

to you about the importance of slowing

down and using it as a mantra to guide

my life couldn't been more apparent than

when I got a speeding ticket on my way

to a time management seminar

my father's in the front row that I was

teaching and and it gets me and it gets

worse so in my haste I asked the trooper

if he can make it fast not a good idea

so as you can imagine that did not end

well and and usually our need for speed

does not end well

right it actually slows us down right

this incessant need for speed is not

sustainable and it adversely affects the

quality of our lives along the way how

many of us are try to jam too many

things into our calendar schedule back

to back-to-back meetings skip meals and

cheat ourselves of much-needed rest

and what does it get us more stressed

less focused less engaged in ladies and

gentlemen ultimately less productive in

fact we are so enamored with working

harder in this country that many

Americans skip their full vacation and

we're working longer hours and yet many

European nations are kicking our butt

and productivity as measured by gross

domestic product and it gets worse we

are so enamored with working harder not

smarter that we proudly describe

ourselves as being very very busy

our urgency addicted society where's

this busyness as a badge of honor let me

think about it

we admire people who are busy we

actually aspire to being busy people

will proudly go through their exhaustive

to-do list without even taking a breath

failing to recognize

that urgency rarely equals importance

and it's not enough that they're busy

they want you to be busy too I mean you

know you heard people today conversation

you're busy you're busy right you

actually feel guilty if you're not busy

enough you make make something up I know

I do I felt like a slug the other day

but ladies and gentlemen important part

language is generative what we say to

ourselves influences how we think it

influences how we feel it influences

what we do so my request for everybody

in this room is to replace the B word

with the F word good thing my mother's

not here tonight let's replace busy with

focused let's really get focused so you

may be asking yourself how do we begin

to interrupt this pattern of speed too

fast too often it surrounds us it seems

that we're immersed in it remember that

fish notice water last hello so what do

fish do they notice water last because

we're immersed in it right and so that

is what one of the challenges when we're

going to replace busy with being focused

so how do we begin to to slow ourselves

down so one of the things that I would

suggest is that we start slowly we start

by running a few experiments now I run a

lot of experiments at home and we run

experiments to change it up to get a

different results

and one of the things that I'm

absolutely certain about is that some

day my kids are going to be grateful

they tutored under me

but today's it's not one of those days

today is not one of those days so there

are four experiments that I would like

to suggest that you consider to slow

down to go faster here's the first one

everybody try to breathe slower

everybody deep diaphragmatic breath come

on try let's go ready everybody breathe

slower deep and from the diaphragm pay

attention to how professional athletes

performing artists in marksman prepare

for success in their events by

regulating their breath so one

experiment is to breathe slower

experiment number two experiment number

two is to eat slower not only is this

healthier because will actually eat less

but it actually contributes to

relationship building when we're dining

with others now this blew me away a

couple years ago I heard this statistic

that the America Everage American family

spends less than 10 minutes per day

breaking bread together what an

opportunity so eat slower third ease

into your day

ease into your day let's reverse this

trend of hitting the ground running

immediately checking our watch or better

yet checking our device starting to

worry about all the things that we have

to take care of that day that activates

the sympathetic nervous system and it

puts us in a stressful state right off

the bat let's take a learn a lesson from

our pets who ease into the day you've

seen it you've seen it by stretching

very slowly and and as far as I know

they don't check the clock and begin to

worry about all the things they got to

do all day right I mean what do they do

eat sleep go to the bathroom right and

so as we take a lesson from our pets now

the last experiment

and you only do this one if you're brave

enough drive slower I can't do it yeah I

saw you earlier actually experiment with

driving the speed limit right now let me

let me tell you you will be alone with

the exception of a brand new driver in

my 89 year old father in the front row

raise your hand right you'll be alone

he's a safe driver just a slow driver

and be ready for all the unwanted

attention you're going to receive from

all of those drivers that are in a hurry

or as my daughter said to me Danny how

come all those people are holding their

finger up and yelling at you

I said Sophie it's not because they

think we're number one kid not because I

think we're number one as we slow down

to go faster we create the space for

grace and this is the place where our

full attention intersects with the

present moment we tap into the

collective unconscious the universal

energy where anything and everything is

possible in that space we tap into

intuition those gentle nudges from the

universe that tell us what to do and

what not to do inspiration those sources

of purpose and meaning that surround us

all of the time and intention we become

deliberate creators by activating the

law of intention which says what we hold

in mind tends to manifest ladies and

gentlemen

what are you holding in mind rushing or

creating now we create this space for

grace by committing to the following key

practices

weekly planning mortgaging the time and

space for the magic to happen daily

meditation training our attention so

that we can notice in utilize intuition

inspiration intention daily journaling

analyzing the patterns of our pace in

adjusting accordingly

and lastly ladies and gentlemen

disconnecting from technology

disconnecting from technology I want to

encourage you I want to invite you I

want to challenge you to take a some

part of your day and make it scream free

we are inundated with information

overload our attention span in 2017 is

less than eight seconds in ladies and

gentlemen that's less than a goldfish

that's less than a goldfish

so let me let me share how creating the

space for grace resulted in my son who

you saw in the opening slide resulted

him in meeting former New York Yankee

star Derek Jeter

we were headed down to Tampa for spring

training just just for about a day and a

half and my son's intention as you can

imagine any eight or ten year old kid he

wanted to get Derek Jeter's autograph

right and so I was in I was on board

with that and so on this piece of paper

that I carry in my wallet I wrote down

the following intentions to support his

I don't I intend to be relaxed and go

with the flow

I intend to arrive at my destination

safely I intend to have a smooth trip

and I intend to enjoy my time with

Rennie and I add it and follow his lead

so let me share how it unfolded we get

to the ballpark at 8:00 a.m. for a 1:15

p.m. game the say my son was excited it

would be a gross understatement

in fact the parking lot attendant wasn't

even ready to accept our money at that

point so we got something to eat we

looked around Tampa complex isn't that

big we saw people players stretching

playing catch but unfortunately did not

see or get Derek Jeter's autograph nor

did we get any significant autograph

before the game but one o'clock we

settle into our chairs it is 88 degrees

in Tampa in March were from Syracuse so

that was a little warm by the end of the

second inning

my son is completely out of gas he wants

to go home and he reluctantly says can

we leave my initial reaction wasn't too

positive but in fact he was even so

concerned he called his mother looking

for her blessing tried to talk him into

staying a little longer trying really

really hard

not to amortize the cost of our trip

over just two innings and then I

remember this piece of paper in my

pocket go with the flow follow his lead

so we left on our way back to the

airport yes if we can stop at the mall

that we were at the night before to get

a bite to eat

I said sure so we stopped at the mall as

we're exiting the mall

somebody excitedly says hey there's

Derek Jeter eating in the restaurant

that we just passed by I guess he left

the game early as well my son grabs the

sharpie out of my hand

rushes past the hostess and meets his

hero the ultimate objective of our

journey coincidence perhaps or a

powerful example of deliberate creation

made possible by slowing down to go

faster thank you

[Applause]