
When driving, do you ever approach a stop sign and do what is called a ‘rolling stop’?
What is a rolling stop? We slow down, look both ways, almost stop, and then hit the accelerator and keep on going. This happens whether you’re turning right, turning left, or going straight. Of course, if there is an obstacle (i.e., oncoming car, pedestrian), the rolling stop is abandoned, a complete stop is made, and you don’t proceed until it’s safe to do so. You only stop completely when it’s necessary.
I contend that much of life is conducted in a series of rolling stops. We leave work, hit the gym, arrive home, immediately start interacting with the spouse and kids, eat dinner, watch some TV, and then go to bed.
Our work day is equally filled with a series of rolling stops, going from meeting to meeting, checking emails, a quick bite to eat with colleagues, more emails, phone calls, and more meetings.
We only stop when we are forced to stop.
Here is why last week I came to a complete stop.
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For five-plus years, I was running and running and running. I stopped only when I was forced to stop. I was living life going through a series of rolling stops.
Last week, I came to a complete stop.
After selling my last investment property and dodging a bullet … metaphorically, someone asked me, “Did you jump up and down and yell, “Yippee!”…
My answer was, “No” … I just came to a complete stop.
This week I’ve started moving again. I started moving again with no regrets, with a few scars, and plenty of new wisdom. I’m also moving with plenty of gratitude.
I’m especially grateful for the opportunity I had to come to a complete stop.
Sometimes coming to a complete stop is absolutely necessary.
When was your last complete stop?
Next Blog Title: Forrest Gump’s Complete Stop
Next Blog Date: October 24, 2011