Have you ever stopped to notice how rushing and multitasking have quietly taken over your life? Anne Grady shares a powerful reflection on how the constant hum of stress can become so normal that we stop questioning it — until those rare quiet moments reveal an anxious, restless feeling beneath the surface.

Like many of us, Anne found herself caught in the “hurry habit,” bouncing from one task to the next, calling it productivity. Yet, when deadlines disappeared and distractions faded, she felt uneasy — reaching for her phone to fill the void, only to realize that busyness had become her badge of honor, and stillness felt like failure.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Anne reminds us that busy doesn’t equal productive; in fact, it can lead to exhaustion and overwhelm. But the good news? You can break the habit of hurry and reclaim your peace.

Here are two practical steps Anne recommends:

  1. Notice the Hurry: Awareness is the first step to change. Catch yourself when you’re frantically doing and ask how it feels emotionally and physically. Instead of rushing to the next thing, try asking yourself, “What’s now?” Presence isn’t laziness — it’s power.

  2. Focus on What Matters Most: Identify your top three priorities each day and begin with those. Anne highlights productivity expert Maura Thomas, who encourages us to stop glorifying busyness and start accomplishing what truly matters. Anne even shares a favorite conversation with Maura that offers practical insights on gaining control instead of chaos.

This week, Anne challenges us to slow down and protect our peace. Hurry may feel like a habit, but it’s one you don’t have to keep.

Stay brave and resilient — and remember, presence is where your power lives.

 

If you’re ready to break free from the hurry habit and bring inspiring, empowering speakers like Anne Grady to your next event, reach out to Midwest Speakers Bureau. We’re here to help you find the perfect voice to guide your team toward focus, presence, and productivity.

Have questions or want to learn more? Contact us anytime — we’d love to hear from you!