I’ve been living in London for more than 6 years now and I perfectly remember my first day. I arrived in the evening by coach from Paris for a 8 hours journey. In the evening I arrived at my youth hostel in Elephant & Castle. My fellow countrymen living here told me that the pace of life is faster compared to France. At that time I loved it because I hated waiting all the time for anything. As a young ambitious getting out of my comfort zone but didn’t know yet about my purpose. However since my teenage year I knew I would be living in London and projected a project of living there.
But I was convinced that I would do great things here and it took me years until last year. It took me time to figure out my purpose through the lens of coaching. Through the years became frustrated by the pace of life and days looking almost the same. They left me drained and tired, not understanding myself was even more frustrating when I look back. I always wanted to work as fast as I could and to comply myself with the flow of living and working in a fast environment. Thinking I would be loved by doing this way or to chase success in life. Also rushing myself living the house after my morning rituals full of excitement going to the gym and the coffee shop full of adrenaline or stress. But so much I’ve learned this year and I’m so grateful for everything good happening.
A well prepared person never has to rush
In London I see a lot of people stressed, especially working at the deli. I see stressed people barely surviving the day. External things such as news used to stress me as well as what could go wrong at work or even customer’s reactions and behaviours. I used to dread the day ahead especially customer’s negative reactions. So I spent my mornings scrolling and distracted by instant gratification. So I’ve figured out that my morning routine doesn’t serve me. This is when I’ve learned about delayed gratification which consist to avoid distractions in the morning. As well as exercising in the morning and having a cold shower and focusing on my projects before going to work fully energised.
Before reaching such discipline I had to work on myself of not rushing myself. Like speeding up my breakfast taking for example or skipping making my bed when I wake up. For optimal preparation for the day ahead it’s not about rushing ourselves, but to slow down a little bit. Asking questions like when I’m gonna release this article? What should I write about? What about my next video? What’s the next piece of work for my coaching business and brand?
These questions made me ruminated and increased my stress level. I’ve learned though the time that I should slow down and actually planning rest time. Also focusing on what resonates with me, that makes the topic or the piece of work that really matter through a specific moment in my journey. Taking decision that matter can be helpful whatever your professional field might be whether corporate or hospitality. What really matter + Plan= slow down. A well prepared person never has to rush. It’s about living a life of freedom instead of surviving.
Doing less is doing more
There was a time when I thought I had to do more post more, share more, push harder. Especially while building my brand, I felt that every insight had to be translated into something, every idea had to be turned into content. But I’ve come to realise that doing less often allows more truth to come through. When we try to force creation or chase performance, we sometimes lose the essence of what we want to express. I used to fill my space with so much information about high performance that the core message authenticity, growth, and joy could get blurred.
Now I see that inspiration never runs out. It flows naturally when I slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. There’s no rush to prove or produce. The message becomes clearer when it comes from a place of presence, not pressure. Building something meaningful isn’t about constant motion it’s about trusting the process, allowing space, and remembering that life is here to be enjoyed, not endured.
In today’s world, we are often taught that success comes from doing more more tasks, more goals. Yet the true art of growth often lies in doing less, with more intention. Doing less doesn’t mean caring less; it means focusing on what truly matters. It’s about removing the noise, delegating what doesn’t align, and creating space for clarity, creativity, and human connection. When we slow down, we make better decisions. We listen more deeply, communicate more clearly, and act with greater purpose. Learning this principle changed my life for the better and achieving more.
In my workplace
Working in a busy deli can sometimes feel like standing in the middle of a storm orders flying and customers rushing. For a long time, I absorbed that energy. I felt their stress, their urgency, and I thought I had to match it to keep up. But lately, I’ve been learning to slow down intentionally, mindfully. When the crowd grows and chaos builds, I take deep breaths. In through the nose, out slowly through the mouth. Each breath becomes a reminder that calm is a choice, even when the world around me speeds up. I’ve stopped feeling guilty for taking a short ten-minute break. Those moments to reset are not indulgent they’re essential.
I’ve also learned to create space with people. Some customers speak fast, eager to rush through the transaction. Instead of matching their pace, I hold the moment steady. I let them speak, I listen, and I move with intention. The till can’t open so fast; time has its own rhythm. This simple truth grounds me no matter how fast others want to go, there’s a natural limit to how quickly life can unfold. Slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind. It means choosing presence over pressure, peace over performance. And in that stillness, even the busiest deli feels lighter. This is the reality of working in hospitality in London. Slowing down is about taking care of your health and wellbeing to make sure customers are served in the best way.
Final words
Slowing down is an act of self-leadership. In a world that glorifies speed, choosing calm becomes a quiet rebellion a reminder that presence matters more than performance. Even in the rush of a busy deli, peace can be found in a single breath, a mindful pause, a moment of stillness amid the noise. Life doesn’t reward us for rushing through it; it rewards us for showing up fully.
Coaching Questions
What does slowing down mean for you in your current environment?
How do you know when it’s time to pause rather than push?
What small rituals could help you stay grounded during moments of chaos?
How would your work and your energy change if you allowed yourself to move at your own pace?
