Why mindsets matter: slowing down as a radical act

We know that our individual decisions as consumers and voters can make a difference when we act together. But have you thought about the fact that the way you make those decisions might exacerbate or mitigate the problem?

Watch this discussion with James Barlow, Co-Founder and Director of Leading Through Storms, where I talk to him about approaching problems in both business and life in a slower, more reflective and ‘systems thinking’ way.

James talks about ‘the addiction economy’, the way we try and distract ourselves from uncomfortable feelings by, for example, reaching for our phones or the TV. Many of the actions we choose to distract ourselves with have invisible supply chains and, just by reacting, we are affecting our environment. He encourages us instead, to sit with our feelings and notice them. Use the energy we would have used on acting them out, to initiate more regenerative patterns of behaviour.

Reflect on examples in your own life where you have or might become locked in vicious cycles. It might be as simple as habitually leaving work late so that you’re hungry and grab a pre-packaged meal rather than cook for yourself. Reflect on what’s driving your actions. What role do uncomfortable feelings play and how might coming to terms with them affect your behaviours?