Go Slow to Go Fast
“If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I would spend the first four sharpening the axe”
- Abraham Lincoln
Let’s unpack the saying, “go slow to go fast.” Or, as the Marines say, “slow is smooth, smooth is fast.” We live in a world of instant gratification – Amazon Prime brings you anything under the sun in two days or less. Facebook’s founding principle was “move fast and break things.” Speed is arguably the defining characteristic of the digital age, of modern life.
Even though speed may rule the day, I contend there is immense value in slowing down. To take stock of where we are in life, at work, in the world. To think critically about what we want. And to strategize around how to achieve it.
In taking time to understand that which we want, the things we value (and as importantly, the things we do not want or value), we build a solid foundation for ourselves. From this strong foundation, we get clear on our priorities and our motivation. And it becomes easier to make decisions, to act, with speed and agility. After all, the saying is “go slow to go fast” and not “go slow to go slow.”
When we prioritize speed, this foundational step is easily overlooked. When we prioritize speed, we risk rushing into actions that simply don’t serve us. We chase goals that are not aligned with what truly matters. The result is a whole lot of wheel-spinning, spending energy without making meaningful progress.
Yet when we take the time to pause, reflect, and get clear on what we value and what we want to achieve, we create momentum that is intentional and sustainable. We’re equipped with a framework that guides our decisions. The path forward becomes clearer. And when it is time to act, we can do so with confidence and speed, armed with the knowledge that we’re moving in the right direction.
As a coach, I help my clients with this type of self-exploration – whether in their personal lives, careers, or journeys into becoming leaders. By slowing down and considering what matters most, we then map out a path to move forward from a place of purpose and clarity.
We would all benefit from taking the time to “sharpen the axe” as Lincoln states above. When we are intentional about preparation and self-discovery, we create momentum that enables us get after our goals with increased speed and fervor.
Some questions for reflection:
What do you gain, and what do you lose when you prioritize speed?
Have you taken the time to look inward and consider what you truly want?
How does the notion of “go slow to go fast” resonate with you?
Whether it’s focusing on going slow to go fast, discovering your goals and passion, building leadership skills, or creating momentum elsewhere in your life, I’m eager to work with those who seek to become the best versions of themselves. If you’re interested in learning more about my coaching process, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email or the booking page on my website.
