The Difference Between Rushing and Going Fast: How to Replace Stress with Exhilaration

As the work year feels like it's this year long marathon that just...won't...end....It creates this feeling of constantly pressing on the gas pedal 🥴 This frantic energy inevitably leads to one thing: stress. The pressure to constantly be on all the time can be overwhelming and put so much emphasis on peak performance - ALL THE TIME!

And let’s face it, working parents feel this stress on an entirely different level. One place where I always felt rushed? Mornings. Getting the kids out the door in time for school often felt like a high-stakes relay race—one where I was perpetually 30 minutes behind.

But then, I discovered a small but powerful shift in mindset: “I can go fast. I don’t have to rush.”

The Difference Between Rushing and Going Fast

At first glance, rushing and going fast might seem identical. Both involve moving quickly, so what’s the big deal? The key difference lies in the energy and intention behind each action.

• Rushing feels chaotic, disorganized, and anxiety-inducing. Think of running around the house with your head cut off, desperately trying to find your keys while yelling at the kids to put on their shoes.

• Going fast feels focused, purposeful, and exhilarating. Picture yourself behind the wheel of a sleek sports car, confidently navigating twists and turns. You’re still moving quickly, but you’re in control.

In both scenarios, you’re moving fast—but only one leaves you feeling empowered instead of drained. In fact, studies show that rushing increases stress levels, which can negatively impact both mental and physical health. By understanding the difference between rushing and going fast, you can make a conscious choice to approach life’s demands with a calmer, more focused energy.

Replacing Rushing with Exhilaration

The problem was, I’d repeat “I can go fast. I don’t have to rush” like a mantra in those chaotic morning moments, but it wasn’t enough. It would work on a surface level, but I felt like I was shoving down the emotion of feeling rushed rather than not experiecing it at all. And shoving emotions only leads to storing those emotions in your gut and wreching havoc on your nervous system. I needed something more. Something to replace the frazzled energy of rushing with the focused excitement of going fast.

Here’s how I made the switch:

1. Prepare the Night Before The mornings that feel the most rushed are often the ones where I’m least prepared. Laying out clothes, packing lunches, and reviewing schedules the night before makes “going fast” feel manageable.

2. Change the Narrative Instead of thinking, “I’m late,” I shift my mindset to, “How can I move through this efficiently?” This small change helps me stay calm and focused, even when time is tight.

3. Make It a Game Turning the chaos into something fun completely changes the energy. Whether it’s timing myself or seeing how smoothly I can transition from one task to the next, reframing the situation helps me stay positive.

4. Breathe and Smile Sounds simple, right? But taking a moment to pause, breathe, and smile can shift your entire mood. It’s hard to feel frantic when you’re grinning.

5. Put On Some Music Music has the power to shift the energy in an instant. Whether it’s an upbeat playlist or a calming tune, playing music in the background can transform a stressful morning into one that feels fun and energizing.

The Power of Feeling Exhilarated

The goal isn’t to eliminate those fast-paced moments entirely. Let’s be real: parenthood requires speed sometimes. But by swapping the frazzled energy of rushing for the confident energy of going fast, you’ll find yourself less stressed and more in control.

So, next time you feel like you’re running 30 minutes late to your own birthday party, ask yourself: How can I turn this into the feeling of driving a really sweet sports car?

Because even when life demands speed, you deserve to feel exhilarated, not overwhelmed. Let’s make this year about moving with purpose, not panic.

Workplace Wellness That Actually Works

(Because Your Employees Aren’t Robots… Yet.)

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(Because hoping things improve isn’t a strategy.)

About the Author

Phallyn is a corporate veteran turned workplace wellness expert with over a decade of experience in high-pressure environments. Certified in Feng Shui and hypnotherapy, she transformed her own burnout into a career helping businesses build healthier, more effective teams—without outdated corporate fluff. Through humor, honesty, and real-world strategies, she’s here to make work work better.

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