The Way of Slow

When was the last time you slowed down?

Aug 03, 2023

👋 Today’s article comes from Get Better Guild member, Alan Currie as he takes a look at how being faster isn’t always better.

The Way of Slow

Think of that person you know that's always busy, maybe you are that person. Did you get anything meaningful done today?*

* ...that sounded kind of accusatory, it's Ok if you didn't

I've been pondering the quote "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast." The internet attributes the quote to Mitsuyo ‘Count Koma’ Maeda that’s Count Combat, a mixed martial artist, ultimate badass, and all-round suave gent.

OK, So I went down a bit of a rabbit hole here looking for the true origin and found some related quotes and things:

"Festina lente" is Latin that translates to "hurry slowly" or "make haste slowly"
The parable of the tortoise and the hare
Napoleon Bonaparte, was quoted "Dress me slowly; I'm in a hurry."
A Navy Seal Mantra with the canonical quote

I like the Count Koma version, his vibe seems like a good fit for the Gazette. Timeless wisdom, and suaveness.

Let's explore the art of slowness, and how embracing a slower pace can lead to greater productivity.

When we approach tasks in a calm and deliberate way, we can navigate challenges more mindfully. We reduce stress and achieve better performance.

Contrary to the popular belief, being busy isn't always synonymous with being productive. Busyness often leads to context switching, decreased focus, and compromised decision-making. By slowing down, we create space to breathe, engage in deep work, and prioritize our tasks.

Trusting the Process

Trusting the process is a mindset that encourages you to have faith in the journey, even if you can't see immediate results or progress. It involves accepting that achieving meaningful goals and personal growth often takes time, effort, and patience. Great results are small, compounding efforts over time.

This mindset can transform our perception of success, allowing us to appreciate the journey as much as the destination. Enjoy the journey and take a step back when needed. Productivity and fulfilment go hand in hand when we strike the balance between action and slowness.

Finding Balance through Self-Care

Taking breaks, engaging in hobbies, and practicing mindfulness become essential parts of our routine. When we invest time in self-care, we recharge our energy reserves, enhance our focus, and ultimately become more productive in the long run, invest in your future self, do more hobbying.

Hopefully you found this an interesting read (and didn’t rush through it!) and found some ideas of how you might benefit from slowing down every now and again in your own life.

Article by Alan Currie

All artwork created with Midjourney