The High Cost of Constant Rushing: Why Slowing Down Boosts Efficiency
In today's fast-paced world, many Australians report feeling perpetually rushed, using stress as a crude motivator to push through endless tasks. Clinical and forensic psychologist Tarnya Davis highlights how this constant state of urgency triggers our fight-or-flight response, flooding our systems with chemicals that can have damaging long-term effects on both mental and physical health.
The Productivity Paradox of Rushing
The irony, as Davis points out, is that rushing often makes us less productive rather than more efficient. Despite the frantic pace, we frequently accomplish little extra while sacrificing moments of pause and happiness we desperately seek. Consider the physical manifestations: clenched jaws, tense backs, and pervasive anxiety that accompany rushed behaviour.
While occasional rushing for true priorities is unavoidable, Davis notes that much of our scurrying stems from internal dialogues or external pressures rather than genuine necessity. The psychologist emphasises that slowing down allows deliberate action and conscious decision-making about our direction and pace.
Practical Steps to Exit the Rush Cycle
Davis offers a three-step approach to breaking free from the rush mentality:
- Notice and be mindful: Observe both personal and external time pressures while recognising internal "musts" that drive unnecessary urgency. Create intentional pauses to experience the present moment rather than constantly focusing on future tasks.
- Choose your response: As you move through tasks, pay close attention to thoughts and feelings. Notice when the mind becomes caught in rushing patterns and consciously decide how to respond differently.
- Pause between tasks: After completing an activity, take a moment to relax before transitioning to the next item. This simple practice builds natural breaks into your workflow.
Prioritising Values Over Goals for Sustainable Achievement
Davis extends this philosophy to goal-setting, particularly relevant as many Australians reassess their New Year's resolutions. While goal-setting remains valuable for monitoring progress and driving change, the psychologist advocates for a values-based approach to ensure goals align with broader life context.
Values as Your Personal Compass
"Values represent what we stand for, who we want to be, and how we want to relate to the world," explains Davis. She describes values as a core set of ideals that guide behaviour much like a compass provides direction. Goals then become destinations reached by living according to these values.
For example, a goal of running three times weekly might stem from values of self-care, health, and personal development. Through this values lens, the same objectives can be achieved through alternative means like walking or other physical activities when running becomes impractical.
Aligning Goals with Core Values
Davis suggests reflecting on fundamental questions like "who do I want to be?" and "how do I want to be remembered?" to identify core values. From this foundation, goal-setting becomes about selecting objectives that genuinely match these values rather than pursuing arbitrary targets.
The psychologist recommends asking "why is this goal important?" during reflection, as this inquiry typically reveals underlying values that increase commitment and persistence. This approach helps maintain focus on what truly matters rather than getting distracted by superficial achievements.
Tarnya Davis, principal of NewPsych Psychologists, combines clinical expertise with practical wisdom to help Australians navigate modern life's pressures while maintaining wellbeing and achieving meaningful progress.
