Cool Down: Getting Further by Going Slower

Chapter 8. FEAR

One of the most significant human talents to have been drowned out by the noise of high-speed culture is that of being able to confront fear. Fear, as we all know, is an emotional reaction, based on a sense of imminent danger to the self. Because of its emotional nature, our primary reactions to fear are reflexive and not necessarily logical.

For those interested in adopting cool methods, fear stands as a major obstacle, since implementation means initiating change. Change represents an unknown element, and unknown elements spark fear. None of this is particularly welcome to the human body and mind, of course, and the result is resistance. When all of this occurs within the swirling ocean of external stimuli it becomes a lot easier, on the whole, to bypass the whole issue and stick with the status quo and stay close to the grindstone, secure in the harness.

I have worked with thousands of people who have looked with awe at the new possibilities that cooling down offers, even down to something as simple as daring to run a meeting more effectively. For a brief moment, their eyes sparkle with promise until, quickly, the spark of innovation is extinguished by fear, and their eyes and expression regain their grim air of conviction.

FEAR OF LOSING YOUR JOB

The number one reservation, of course, is the fear that rocking the boat will result in you falling overboard: that any suggestions of improvement, especially that include the word slow will end up a career-limiting move. ...