Slow is smooth, smooth is fast

I like moving slow. I love sitting with my coffee in the morning as I acclimate to what’s on my plate for the day, without rushing.

My best work happens when I am able to slow down and move with intention. When I'm solving problems for my clients, I need time to turn things over in my head, to consider not just what they've told me explicitly, but what sits between the lines.

I walk a lot. Usually with my dog, never listening to music or podcasts. I generally travel the same routes over and over. This makes space for my brain to flow freely. Even when my schedule feels tight, I protect this time. This apparent slowness makes everything move faster and my work output is better.

I Set My Own Pace

Early in my career, I tried to turn things around as quickly as possible. Respond immediately and ship fast.

But there’s always a cost to speed. I would forget to consider key details and scenarios and would frequently create new problems to be fixed.

My husband has a favorite quote: "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast."

When we slow down enough to do things properly the first time, we eliminate costly do-overs. We catch the details that matter. We deliver solutions that actually work.

Now I set achievable timelines and communicate clear expectations with my clients from the start. This shift from reactive rushing to proactive pacing has changed not just my work, but my entire relationship with productivity. Instead of constantly putting out fires, I build solutions that prevent them.