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  November 14, 2017 1:18 PM EST

  

  Do you push yourself to meet every deadline?

  Do you consider every task a top priority?

  Do you multi-task everything?

  Do you feel guilty when you have free time?

  You qualify for a new group of behaviors called "excessive time urgency."

   

  Why are you in such a hurry? Because you excessively worry about schedules and rush as a habit even when it is not necessary to hurry. 

  I realized that my father was rushed and rushing us when going places because he was worried about the appearance of being late. He was stuck on the idea that if you cannot get there on time, don’t bother showing up. That created a lot of stress in the process of getting ready to go anywhere for all of us.

  You might have a friend that is constantly in motion. If there is not enough activity, this friend will make a new project and attempt to pull you into the activity. If you want help cleaning out your closets, invite this friend over. However being around constant high levels of energy can be exhausting when you just want to sit quietly with a cup of tea. So consider your needs and activity levels when you plan your down time. Do you allow yourself down time? Time with nothing in particular planned for you to do?

  What are the consequences of getting stuck in this pattern of hurry up no matter what?
  You will have high stress levels based on your constant whirlwind of activity. Part of your rush is based on getting everything just right. This perfectionism creates unrealistic expectations and more stress. When you hurry you are more likely to make mistakes which leads to rework. Rework adds to an already busy schedule.

  You will miss out on the everyday joy around you.

  There is no time for self-care and playtime when your life is in hurry up mode.

   

  Why are you in such a hurry? What are you missing out on? How do you break this pattern of hurry up no matter what? 

  1. Focus on one thing at a time. Give your full attention to one thing; see how that feels for a change.
     
     
  2. Rethink, reflect and prioritize your tasks. Not everything is high priority.

  1. Separate work from play. Allow time to be flexible with your recreational activity.
     
     
  2. Plan ahead. Planning avoids the rush because you did not think ahead. Set up planning time so you can think ahead without the pressure of instant decisions on what is up next.
     
     
  3. Get realistic about your expectations of time. Are you trying to do too many things in too short of a time?
     
     
  4. Slow down. Pay attention to life and people around you. Listen first before you jump into action. That alone can save you time by having all the information first.
     
     
  5. Allow down time everyday just for you. Start with 10 minutes. Take that time for doing nothing. It might be uncomfortable. Try it and see what happens.

  "Hurry up no matter what" is a pattern of activity that leads to burnout and overwhelm. When you slow down to recognize that you have choices, time can be a gift instead of another stress factor.