A.S.A.P. Redefined: The Quiet Power of Slowing Down and Living with Intention
- Melissa Perkins
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Redefining ASAP
In a world wired for speed, where productivity is often valued over presence, we’re taught to live by the clock, to push, to hustle, to keep going, even when our bodies and minds are tired and our souls are calling us to rest.
We measure our worth by how much we do, and how fast we do it.
Slowing down, softening, taking a pause - these things are often seen as weakness or inefficiency or we feel guilty if we're not productive enough.....
But what if we redefined ASAP?
What if, instead of racing towards burnout, we chose slowness - not as avoidance, but as a conscious and courageous way of being?
What if ASAP meant:
As Slow As Possible
As Soft As Possible
As Sustainable As Possible
As Sincere As Possible
As Simply As Possible
Allow Space and Pause
What if we moved with gentle intention? Not rushing to meet the next expectation, but arriving fully into the moment we’re already in.
What if we softened—in our words, our thoughts, our reactions?
What if we gave ourselves and each other more compassion, more margin, more room to breathe?
What if we began to live in ways that were sustainable—for the planet, but also for our hearts, our energy, our relationships?
What if we led our lives with honesty, humility, and openness—as sincere as possible—unafraid to show up as we are?
And what if we let go of the noise and complexity, returning to what is essential—as simply as possible—so that clarity and peace could take root?
In a culture that glorifies hustle and demands urgency, choosing to live slowly and mindfully is not just a lifestyle shift—it’s a quiet act of rebellion. It’s a return to what matters most.
So today, let yourself:
Pause. Breathe. Feel.
Let urgency be replaced by presence. Let your steps be slower and steadier, your choices more thoughtful, each word more intentional. There is wisdom in softness, strength in patience, and a quiet kind of beauty in a life lived with care and simplicity.
7 Practical Ways to Live ASAP
These small practices can help you gently bring the ASAP mindset into your everyday life:
Start your day slowly. Resist the urge to jump into screens and schedules. Wake gently. Breathe. Stretch. Let your body arrive before your tasks do.
Speak with intention. Notice your tone and your pace. Can your words be a little softer, a little kinder today?
Make one sustainable swap. Choose something simple: use a reusable cup, cook a plant-based meal, walk instead of drive when you can. Let care for the planet reflect care for yourself.
Practice a daily pause. Set a reminder to stop and breathe—even just for 60 seconds. Check in. Notice what’s present.
Set boundaries with compassion. Slowness requires space. Say “no” when you need to—with kindness, but without apology.
Simplify one part of your day. Clear a cluttered corner. Unsubscribe from emails you don’t read. Choose one meal, one outfit, or one moment to be beautifully uncomplicated. Let simplicity create space for peace.
Reflect weekly. What moments felt rushed? What brought peace? What can you do differently next time? Gentle reflection leads to meaningful alignment. Redefining ASAP isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing what matters most—with softness, presence, and care. So let's start that quiet rebellion and create space for a life that feels grounded, meaningful, and kind. 🌿✨
Melissa is owner and founder of The Kindfulness Effect, providing life-enhancing wellbeing courses, classes, workshops and coaching, for individuals and organisations. Her journey to Kindfulness began during her recovery from PTSD in 2007, when she discovered the transformative power of mindfulness, positive psychology, and yoga. After spending 15 years working in various management positions in a global company, she completed a degree in psychology and philosophy as well as teacher training in mindfulness, meditation, and yoga - and subsequently created The Kindfulness Effect.
Mindfulness + Kindness + Gratitude = Kindfulness
"My vision is to inspire and empower individuals to lead happier, healthier, and more conscious and fulfilling lives. To create a community of like-minded individuals who embody Kindfulness and create a ripple effect of positivity and compassion, which spreads throughout our communities and beyond." ~ Melissa
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