I'm not telling you anything you haven't heard before - but the four most dangerous words in the English language are, "I already know that." So give a listen one more time - it might sink in better than it ever has before.



No one ever tells you, the executive, manager, or C-level professional to work FASTER, right? Smarter, sure. Harder, yes. Faster? No way.

In fact, when it comes to speed, the only advice anyone gets or gives these days - in business and in life - is to slow down. Take a breather. Get clear. Savor a moment.

But if everyone tells us to slow down and take a break, why do we always ignore the advice?

Because we think we don't have the time to stop - but we never do, and we never will, unless we make the time.

Here's the counter-intuitive truth: Slowing down actually makes you more productive.

When you work yourself silly, you don't give yourself a chance to recharge your body, your mind, or even your emotional batteries. And do you think you're a smooth-running executive engine when you're running on fumes? Of course not.

Whether it's a simple 10-minute disconnected walk around the block, a so-called "mental health" day off, or a good chunk of the vacation time you've had banked for multiple years, step away from the mouse and keyboard, and give your brain a chance to relax.

It's especially important for you as an executive or manager to break the workaholic habit. If you're setting up unrealistic expectations for yourself, you're also setting your subordinates up for failure - they'll try to model your work habits, and they'll melt down faster than you will. And don't forget the old saw - if you're working too hard, then maybe you're not delegating very well.

Do yourself - and everyone around you - a great favor, and break the habit now, before you get the next executive position. Set yourself up for success.

Besides, life and business are only going to get faster.

And if you're thinking about a job change right now - if you've already started the process with a headhunter or a recruiter, written your resume, or even sent it out by hand or with a distribution service - then now's a fabulous time to take a breather, to check in with your goals and make sure you're still on the right path.