“Daddy, why are you always moving so fast?” my five-year-old genuinely asked me one morning as I was rushing to get her out of the house for school. I dismissed it in the moment because I was carrying three book bags, two lunchboxes, and my work computer like some “Ninja” dad. Later, it hit me. Here I was, trying to be a good father by getting my two kids to school on time, but I missed this special moment with them in my rush.
If you find yourself constantly asking, “Why am I always in a hurry?” you’re not alone. Most of us dads live in perpetual motion, believing that faster equals better. But learning how to stop being in a rush all the time isn’t just about slowing down—it’s about intentionally creating space for what matters most. Here are 5 practical ways to stop living life in a hurry.
1. Stop checking your phone while eating.
This might sound simple, but it’s revolutionary. When I started putting my phone away during family meals, something amazing happened: I heard what my kids were saying. My wife noticed immediately. Our phones fragment our attention into a thousand pieces, making us feel constantly behind and rushed. When we eliminate this distraction during meals, we’re not just eating food—we’re nourishing our souls and connecting with our families. It’s one of the most powerful tools for stress reduction.
2. Take one deep breath before starting your car.
Instead of immediately throwing the car in gear and racing to the next destination, take one intentional breath and say a quick prayer for safety and purpose. This moment of pause shifts my mindset from rushing to deliberate movement. I think about my family and how I want to arrive at my destination safely. That single breath reminds me that I’m not late for life—I’m exactly where God wants me to be in this moment. It’s become a sacred pause that transforms my car from a vehicle of stress into a space of preparation for whatever comes next.
3. Walk slower when you’re not late.
Here’s a radical idea: When you don’t have to rush, don’t. Try deliberately walking at a slower pace when you’re not pressed for time. I tried this and noticed things I had walked past a thousand times before. I saw a house with two chimneys for the first time, and noticed a bird’s nest perched in the tree in our front yard. I even started having conversations with neighbors that I typically don’t talk to. Walking slower also teaches our children to live each day in full awareness of the beauty that surrounds us. Some of my best conversations with my kids happen during these unhurried walks, when we have space to wonder, question, and simply be together without an agenda.
4. Pick one thing to do slowly each day.
Choose one daily activity—your morning coffee, evening shower, or bedtime routine with your kids—and do it intentionally slow. Sip your coffee, savoring the aroma of the beans as you drink. Cook your breakfast on low heat, watching the translucent eggs slowly turn white. This practice helps you stay mindful throughout your day. It’s not about being inefficient; it’s about being intentional. When we slow down one thing, we often find that everything else flows more smoothly because we’re operating from a place of calm rather than chaos.
5. Say, “I don’t know. Let me think about it.”
We crave instant feedback. We expect our texts to be answered immediately, and our e-mails responded to within the next few minutes. We no longer like to wait, but wisdom requires reflection. Teaching our children that it’s OK to pause, think, and consider before answering, models thoughtfulness over reactivity. This phrase has saved me from countless rushed decisions that I would have regretted later. When my daughters ask complex questions about life, faith, or relationships, I’ve learned to say, “That’s a great question. Let me think about it and get back to you.” When you take the time to stop and think instead of giving a quick answer, what you say has a greater impact on your kids. Your words are wiser and richer.
Sound off: To stop rushing all the time, sometimes we need to hit the brakes in life. What moments in your life do you want to savor more?
Huddle up with your family and ask, “What could we talk about that might make dinnertime more interesting?”