Robert Birming

The power of hurrying slowly

Hurrying slowly — I used to think that was a stupid expression. A bit like when Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen commented on the saying “less is more”:

Less is more… how can that be? It’s impossible… more is more.

I used to want everything to happen all at once and as fast as possible. I’d get an idea and immediately want to get it out there. Why take it slow, step by step?

But these days, I’ve started to appreciate the slow flow more and more. Take this blog, for example — a few years ago, I never would’ve been able to start it just for fun and see what happens. I would’ve had a “master plan” with things like…

There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but it’s such a relief to know there’s no rush. Just take it one step at a time and see where it leads.

I’m still very much a beginner at hurrying slowly, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I suddenly come up with the next “brilliant idea” that just can’t wait to see the light of day. But I do try to remind myself to slow down — and it’s a very satisfying feeling.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. — Lao Tzu