The Paradox of Progress: Why Slowing Down Drives Success

Dec 18

Slow down to speed up

In the world of high performance and leadership coaching, few principles are as transformative as the idea of "slowing down to speed up." Every leader should have this concept top of mind in all aspects of business. While it may seem counterintuitive at first, adopting this mindset can unlock extraordinary progress, both professionally and personally. This concept is universal, holding true in every sphere of life, whether at work, at home, or in personal growth.

The challenge of "Slow Down to Speed Up" in a fast-paced world

In today’s hyper-connected, tech-driven environment, speed is often treated as the ultimate virtue. Businesses are under relentless pressure to make quick decisions, roll out products faster, and stay ahead of the competition. "We must move faster" has become the mantra for many organizations.

But here lies the paradox: when speed is pursued at the expense of thoughtful preparation, mistakes happen. Products may reach the market half-baked, projects may falter due to lack of planning, and decisions may be made without considering their long-term consequences. In the race to move quickly, we risk sacrificing depth, relevance, and clarity and even worse, we risk that that most important asset of a company - high performing individuals - suffer burn-out or leave in frustration. In many cases, individuals are not given the luxury of time to think things through - yet this time is exactly what’s needed for meaningful progress.

The true meaning of "Slow Down to Speed Up" in business

To slow down in a business context doesn’t mean grinding to a halt. Instead, it’s about creating space for focused preparation, deliberate planning, and strategic foresight. Whether you’re launching a new product, designing a project, or preparing for an important meeting, taking time upfront can save exponential time later on.

The key is to recognize that preparation isn’t wasted time - it’s an investment. As Brian Tracy emphasizes in his book Eat That Frog, spending just 10% of your time on planning can save 90% of the time during execution. This "10/90 rule" is a game-changer. Proper planning allows you to anticipate challenges, align resources, and clarify objectives, ultimately accelerating progress when it’s time to act.

Imagine assembling a puzzle: it’s far easier and faster when the pieces are laid out properly from the start. Yet, in many organizations, the pressure for constant visible progress often undermines this approach - building the frame(work) first often is not possible due to lack of time. Stakeholders may mistakenly equate stillness with stagnation, but what they don’t see is that thoughtful groundwork sets the stage for rapid, effective execution.

"Slow Down to Speed Up" in life

This principle isn’t just for the boardroom - it’s equally transformative in personal life. By allowing yourself the time and space to reflect, you can alleviate unnecessary pressure and make more intentional decisions.

Take, for example, the often daunting question: "What do I truly want to do with my life?" If you’re unhappy in your current job and seeking change, the instinct may be to rush into finding an answer. Thoughts like "Why haven’t I figured this out yet?" can add unnecessary stress and cloud your judgment.

Instead, embrace the mindset of slowing down. Grant yourself the time to explore what truly matters to you. Reflect on your values, research alternatives, and envision what moving in a new direction would look and feel like. Would it genuinely bring you happiness and fulfillment? By giving yourself the freedom to take a year (or however long it takes) to find clarity, the pressure diminishes, and the answers often come naturally. Once you know your path, you’ll move forward with unparalleled focus, confidence, and commitment.

The power of permission to pause

Slowing down to speed up is about granting yourself permission to pause, reflect, and prepare. It’s about shifting your perspective from one of urgency to one of intentionality. By doing so, you not only achieve greater efficiency but also create outcomes that are more impactful and meaningful. Whether in the boardroom or in your personal journey, this mindset has the power to transform the way you approach challenges and opportunities alike.

Remember, progress isn’t always about how fast you move - it’s about how wisely you prepare so you will be able to move fast when you are ready. So take a moment. Breathe. Plan. And then, when it’s time to act, you’ll be unstoppable.

Simon Lavanchy