Let's go in an entirely different direction—let's talk about speedbumps.

There are two kinds, and you're likely familiar with the first type that annoys the hell out of you and slows you down.

Interestingly, these are remarkably effective at preventing accidents involving pets and children. However, there's another kind of speedbump that I frequently use in my coaching and developmental practice. These are the speedbumps that slow us down from tendencies that don't serve us well. You may not know this, but you have a personality with certain tendencies, and sometimes, due to years of practice, these tendencies can become too fast.

In coaching, I aim to identify these moments and understand how they relate to your personality. While we can't change personalities that are relatively static, we can increase awareness. Similar to driving through a neighborhood, a bit of awareness about your tendencies, like speaking too fast or getting agitated, coupled with willingness, can act as a personal speed bump.

It's not easy to decide to be different, often prompted by things that have gone awry, but instituting a speed bump, as simple as taking a breath when agitation arises, can make a significant difference. Another effective strategy is to ask a question when feeling agitated during a presentation, slowing down the process and creating space for meaningful engagement. So, consider what kind of speed bumps might work for you.

While they might not save children and pets, they can potentially save you from a lot of pain and suffering in your professional and personal relationships. It's a beautiful idea worth contemplating.