Don’t Waste the Waiting–What to Do When Life Slows Down.

I’ve been there. I’m willing to bet you have, too.

There’s not a name for it, but it’s a universal experience. Depending on your outlook, it can be frustrating or it can be energizing.

I’m talking about a lull in your life. An off-season. A time where it feels like NOTHING is happening. No big career moves, no fancy opportunities, nothing shiny or new. Just the same old things day after day.

For me, this hit during COVID. With “normal life” on pause and graduation inching closer by the month, I was wishing for something–anything–new to happen. I found myself journaling, thinking, and saying out loud— “I just wish something would HAPPEN already.” That sentence–as valid as it is to feel–is an excuse.

Let’s take it back to the mindset, shall we?

1. Don’t wait for things to happen. MAKE them happen instead.

You knew this one was coming. It’s a classic, but it has real value. If you’re simply sitting around waiting for things to happen, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Don’t merely let things happen TO you, make them happen FOR you.

2. Spend the waiting in preparation. Value the “moment before”.

Rather than wishing for things to change, tackle what you can work with now. When something new does come along, what were you doing in the moment before? Were you working on your habits, tackling the nitty-gritty of your mindset, and pursuing your goals? Or were you simply sitting in wait?

3. Do the work that is in front of you.

One of our favorite sayings around here is, “How you do anything is how you do everything”. Don’t waste the waiting. Time is irreplaceable. If you have a lot of extra time right now, that’s a good thing!

Even if the task in front of you is mundane or simple, tackle it with all you’ve got. Commit to the work you have now, in pursuit of the work you want to be doing later. Every moment is rehearsal.

4. Savor the slow down.

As hard as this can be for those of us who love when life is movin’ fast (Hi, hello. That’s me.), try to enjoy the slow down. Remember that in another season, you won’t have as much time to breathe and you might find yourself wishing for what you have now. Take this time to do things you aren’t usually able to do.

While the slow moments of life can seem agonizing at times, it’s all part of the journey. Do your best to appreciate where you are now, even if it’s not where you want to be forever.