I wish I would have made up the above remark—but I did not. I do however try to adhere to it everyday, though I am not always successful. Even in Simon and Garfunkel’s iconic 1966 hit, 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy), they address this problem of rushing and not “making the morning last”. Why are we rushing here, there and everywhere? Especially this time of year everyone seems to be in overdrive when it comes to rushing. I find myself rushing sometimes even when I am not in a hurry.

I have always moved fast, when I was a child my grandfather (affectionately I think) called me “lightening” because I tended to move so fast. Many a doctor told my mother “her engine runs high”. No other labels back then, just a fast kid.

This speed has worked for me over the years. It has given me high ratings at jobs, “gets a lot done in a short amount of time”, “always stays busy”, etc. You get the picture. The only place this high speed has really not panned out is in my marathon running, but I digress.

My daily goal is to be mindful and present, really experiencing life. I have saved so much time by slowing down. Being a new behavior for me there is a steep learning curve that I still deal with daily. Where on earth did I lay my phone this time? This is just an example of me still working on slowing down, leaning to be present and mindful.

So let’s make a pact that we will slow down and be present. Unloading your dishwasher, cooking your meals, driving your car or whatever else you have on your list today—be present and be mindful of your task at hand. Be engaged, be connected, remember where you got that hundredth mug you just unloaded from the dishwasher, connect with the memory as you put that next ornament on your tree, and be in contact with your experience, taste your food even after the first few bites.

Slow your speaking, your thinking and your actions. You would be amazed at how much time you save by not rushing. Make your morning last.