I have always enjoyed getting stuff done. I take great satisfaction from finding the most efficient way of doing things, whether that be when cooking dinner or coming up with a process for managing a complex higher education admissions system. For me, it’s not just about getting whatever needs doing done to a high standard; it’s also about getting whatever needs doing done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Until one day, on my way to the kitchen at work (I remember this moment so clearly), I stopped and asked myself: “What is all this rushing actually FOR? Yes, I’m saving a few minutes here and there, but what am I doing with the time I’ve saved?”

I was hit by a realisation so blindingly obvious that I couldn’t understand why it hadn’t occurred to me before.

If you follow me on Facebook, you might be wondering why I post about slowing down so often on a page that’s meant to be about my Virtual Assistant-ness. Let me explain...

There were lots of things about my last 'proper' job that I loved, but when the relentless pressure started to feel.... well...a little too relentless, I decided to make a change. I started my own VA business because I’d had enough of feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.  I made a conscious choice to put my strengths - and my default “let me help you with that” setting - to good use.