Slow down; no, speed up

There’s this “Slow” sign painted on the shared pathway I often take into the city. It’s meant for pedestrians, runners, cyclists, e-scooter riders: a whole mix of people moving at different paces toward different destinations.

I’ve passed that sign hundreds of times, but this week, it caught my eye differently.

You see, when I’m on my e-scooter, I never feel like slowing down. My ego wants to go faster, to glide past others, to get to my destination quicker. But this time, I was running. My lungs and legs were begging for mercy, and the “Slow” suddenly looked like an invitation - a gift, almost. And the lazy parts of me wanted to take the sign literally: “Slow down.”

That moment made me think about how we interpret the signs in our lives and how their meaning shifts depending on our role, our pace and the season we’re in.

Sometimes we need to slow down.
Other times, we need to speed up.
And the real skill lies in knowing which moment calls for which.

Discernment is wisdom
Sometimes, slowing down isn’t about weakness. It’s about wisdom.

The moment we think we’ve got it all figured out, that’s exactly when we most need to pause and listen again. When we're in ego-driven fast mode, we think we have nothing to learn - and that's precisely when slowing down to reflect, assess and learn becomes essential. 

Growth, like running, sometimes means holding pace, not racing ahead. You see, my ego doesn’t like slowing down. It mistakes motion for momentum. Going too fast too soon only guarantees burnout or injury. It’s the same in leadership and life. Some seasons demand speed: decisions, delivery, direction. Others require stillness: reflection, recalibration, rest.

This past week, I’ve been deep in learning mode, studying and implementing a proven pathway to grow in my field. Many lessons have forced me to slow down, to truly absorb, to practice. Some others have demanded that I speed up and take bold action. Wisdom, I’m realising, is not in choosing one or the other, it’s in knowing when to do which.

When it’s time to move
Another lesson I'm coming to appreciate is that sometimes speed is not only necessary, but it is the best mode of operation. After all, life demands forward motion too: courage, momentum, action.

One of the reflections I've had this past week reminded me that “I have fully earned (and paid for) the experience I’ve gained.” Why is this important?  

Once we’ve done the work - put in the hours, the effort, the discomfort - there comes a time to stop doubting ourselves and start applying what we’ve learned. Experiences mean little unless we extract the lessons and trust the skills they've developed in us.

That’s where maturity shows up: when we can step forward confidently, at pace, without needing everyone else to validate our readiness.

Connection takes time
Another perspective which dawned on me is that slowing down isn’t just about pace, it’s also about presence. It's creating space to listen better, to lead more thoughtfully, to respond rather than react.

True connection - with people, purpose or even our own selves is paid for with time and attention. That’s something modern life often forgets. We’re wired to optimise, to multitask, to do more in less time. But the most meaningful moments: the deep conversations, the sparks of creativity, the quiet clarity, true connection - they don’t come when we’re rushing. They arrive when we create space for them.

Finding your rhythm
I’ll keep passing that “Slow” sign most days. Some days, I’ll slow down. Other days, I’ll keep my pace. But I hope I’ll always notice it — not just as a safety reminder on a shared path, but as a life reminder on this shared journey.

Because maybe the real sign isn’t just telling us how fast to go — it’s reminding us to stay aware of why we’re moving at all. It’s an invitation to notice. To read the moment.

Final reflection
In a world that favours single-speed living, take a moment to ask:

• Where in your life are you moving too fast to notice the signs?

• Where are you holding back when you already have what you need to go?

• Who or what in your life deserves more time and attention this week?

Some days call for stillness. Others for sprinting. But every day asks for awareness. Because slowing down isn’t falling behind. And speeding up isn’t always progress.

The key is knowing which season you’re in, and having the humility to pause, the courage to move and the wisdom to know the difference.