(Photo courtesy of Bruno Guerro)
Have you ever noticed that you were trying your best and really hustling to accomplish as much as possible in a short time? And then things weren’t really turning out for the better? I know, I have. So have many of my clients.
In today’s fast-paced world, it often feels like more intensity is the answer to achieving our goals. We glorify hustle, grinding, and working as hard and as fast as possible. But here’s the truth: more intensity is not the answer. To truly succeed in life, the key is balance. The challenge? In our modern era, pursuing life with balance can often be misinterpreted as laziness.
This misunderstanding is where many ambitious people fall short. Slowing down doesn’t mean you’re doing less. In fact, it’s an essential part of maximizing your performance. Reframing the act of slowing down as an essential component of success, rather than a reward for effort, is the single greatest challenge for anyone seeking long-term achievement.
When we’re always moving fast, everything around us becomes a blur. We miss details, overlook important moments, and, ultimately, burn out. But when you slow down, the world becomes clearer. You notice opportunities you might have missed, connect more deeply with others, and make better decisions. Slowing down doesn’t mean giving up on ambition. It means approaching your goals with intention, focus, and clarity.
Slowing down also allows us to sharpen the very skills that are vital to success: creativity, resilience, and problem-solving. Take Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs, for example. He famously took long, thoughtful walks to gain clarity and inspiration. This wasn’t laziness; it was how he brought innovation to life. By slowing down, Jobs found solutions that changed the world.
But how can you make slowing down a regular part of your life? The good news is that you don’t need to overhaul your entire routine. Simple strategies can help you incorporate moments of clarity and rest into your daily life. Start by focusing on one task at a time. In a world obsessed with multitasking, uni-tasking can be a superpower. Take breaks more often, even if it’s just for a quick walk. Learn to say “no” when your plate is already full, protecting your energy and focus for the things that matter most. Finally, find your “garden”—a metaphor for whatever activity or space allows you to recharge and feel grounded.
Ultimately, balance is the key to sustainable success. Embracing the idea that slowing down is not laziness but rather a strategy for clarity, creativity, and growth will transform how you approach your goals. The next time you feel the pressure to move faster, remember that sometimes, the best way to get ahead is by slowing down.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon.
