Road Runner Syndrome

Andrew May on the TODAY Show, Channel 9, Sydney


Ever had that overwhelming feeling that no matter how much faster you go, you’re still falling further and further behind?

Meep meep – broooooo! Welcome to the world of Road Runner Syndrome.

This phenomenon was first discovered back in 1959 by Friedman and Rosenman, two cardiologists researching personality types who defined the very well-publicised 'Type A’ personality. They coined it ‘hurry sickness’, I call it ‘Road Runner Syndrome’. With the rapid increase in speed in modern society, more and more people have a ‘harrying sense of time urgency.’


road runner reality
The reality of modern society is that most people have varying degrees of Road Runner Syndrome. I do, and I spend a large part of my life teaching other people about it. What we need to do is learn to live with it, and more importantly control it so speed doesn’t take over. By all means when you have to go hard, work fast – and get as much done as you can. You just need to remember to also take time out. If you get totally addicted to a high-speed pace and avoid spending time going slow, you’re a prime candidate for burnout.

what can we do about it?
One thing I learnt working with elite sporting teams, is that the worlds best athletes don’t just focus on performance – in many respects they put as much time and effort into recovering as well.

Hard core Road Runners need to re-learn how to go SLOW. This will feel counterintuitive for many people who have been taught that to get more done you have to work more or work faster. In many instances, I see people and companies dramatically improve their output by building in periods of rest and recovery.

5 tips to keep road runner at bay
1. have an annual off season – take a proper 2 or 3 week holiday once a year
2. try and squeeze in a mini-break every 12 weeks
3. use the OFF button – learn to press OFF on your mobile, computer, PDA and other electronic devices
4. avoid Noddy Syndrome and learn to say NO – try and delete some of the things you are currently involved in
5. go SLOW – build in some ‘me time’ where you focus on recovering, recharging and renewing yourself

They key is to be ON when you have to; and OFF when you can... Good luck!

Andrew May