Speed is not the answer

photo credit: Hartono Creative Studio

When we think about the future, it often involves envisioning how we can do everything faster. Faster cars, travel, food, news, technology, results at work, world records, education, degree, and degree completion. But, if speed produces great innovation, creativity, and results - then why are we having longer work commutes, longer work days, less sleep, more stress, and an always on/performing mindset? Because our need for speed loses sight of the innovative and creative process that when allowed to hit the pause button and focus on the process rather than the end results, produces true transformation.

I don’t focus on the past or traditionalism. I love to dream about what the future might look like and embrace a society where we all have equal opportunity and access to basic human needs and rights. But, along with this vision and futuristic mindset comes with it the need for speed and to glorify this increased pace. Rapid development in urban planning, rapid results at work, excelerated higher ed programs, earlier high school graduation, and faster retail check outs on the surface appear as positive advancements. So why are we collectively as a society more exhausted, depressed, and late?

What if hitting the pause button, downshifting, or slowing the pace saved you time and made you more productive? What if slow making and designing created more advanced innovation? What if a methodical, laser like focus at work, without constant interruption or micro-managing produced quicker results, saved time, and less room for error? What if sleeping in a bit later on a Saturday, having time carved out where you were able to focus on yourself - made you more productive on Monday morning at work?

Here’s the best part. What if this periodic slower pace allowed you to reflect, grow, learn, and reconnect you to your authentic self? When you know who you are and where you are going, speed no longer becomes the focus.