A New Season, New Routines
September always feels like a reset. My husband, Tim, is a retired teacher, and for years our calendar revolved around the school year. I still find myself taking a deep breath as September arrives: my routine is about to begin. Kids are back in school, routines get re-established, and calendars fill quickly. But here’s the question I’ve been asking: Are the routines we’re establishing healthy ones — or is it time to remember that sometimes, slow is the new fast?
This month I’ve been reminded that balance isn’t always about doing more — it’s about noticing more. And sometimes, that clarity shows up in the simplest places.
Ordinary Moments That Matter
Above are a few ordinary moments that have refueled me in the past few weeks. My joy meter was overflowing. There was the silly “say cheese” selfie with my granddaughter. A quiet afternoon cuddle in the hammock with Bella. A lunch date, unwinding with Tim, and quieting the noise to listen to his dreams. And the simple flicker of a candle in the early morning.
These ordinary moments are the ones I remember most. More importantly, they fill my cup in ways no checklist ever could.
The Thief of Hurry
And yet, even in these joyful pauses, I’m reminded how easily hurry can creep back in. Leadership — especially in nonprofits — often pushes us to move faster, say yes more often, and measure success by activity instead of impact.
That’s why I make it a habit to read newsletters and insights from other leaders. It’s one of the ways I keep learning, listening, and stretching. Recently, I came across this gem from Michael Hyatt, founder of Full Focus Co:
“Hurry isn’t a productivity strategy — it’s a thief. It steals presence. It robs joy.”
Those words landed hard because I know how easy it is for me to equate speed with progress. But hurry clouds judgment. As a result, it weakens relationships. And it steals the very clarity leaders need most.
Why Slowing Down Is Leadership
As I work with nonprofit leaders, I see this pattern again and again: passion fuels the work, but without pacing, passion can quietly turn into exhaustion and burnout. I know this firsthand. I’ve faced burnout more than once in my career, and each time, therefore, it reminded me why slowing down is not optional for me — it’s essential.
I slow down for my physical health, for my mental well-being, and for the clarity that only comes when I pause long enough to breathe.
Slowing down isn’t indulgence. It’s wisdom. It’s leadership.
Here’s the ah-ha: when we pause long enough to notice, we lead differently. We make decisions with perspective instead of panic. We give people the gift of our full attention. And we model balance in a way our teams and families long to see.
“Balanced Success is more than working, working, working. Our lives need joy if we’re going to rejuvenate, thrive, and lead with clarity.” — Lisa Olinda
Slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind. Instead, it means moving ahead with presence and purpose.
An Invitation to Pause with Me
If you’re longing for more clarity and presence in your leadership, I’d love to welcome you to my Aligned newsletter.
Twice a month, I share encouragement and practical insights to help leaders step out of hurry and into balance. Consider it your gentle reminder that success is more than doing — it’s noticing.
