The Radical Power of Slowing Down And Knowing When to Speed Up

A Dellprime Reflection Inspired by “The Radical Act of Slowing Down” (Big Think)

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There’s something refreshing about reading an article that reminds us of a truth we all feel but rarely honor: we are moving too fast. The Big Think piece argues that slowing down—deliberately, intentionally—is one of the most countercultural acts in today’s world. And honestly, as a dad, a husband, a Taekwondo student, and someone juggling work and personal growth, the message hit home.

But here’s the nuance I want to add, especially for parents and working adults: slowing down is powerful, but knowing when to speed up is a skill too. This is the balance I’ve been learning in my own life.

Why the Article Resonates

The article makes a strong case for rejecting the “hurry” mindset—the constant pressure to do more, faster, all the time. It highlights:

• How chronic speed damages our health

• How rushing leads to shallow work and shallow relationships

• How meaningful things—marriage, parenting, mastery—require time

• How slow, steady growth outlasts flashy, fast growth

  
  

And I agree.

As a dad, I see how slowing down helps me be more present with my kids. As a Taekwondo student, I see how slow, consistent practice builds real skill. As someone learning iOS development, I see how slow learning compounds into mastery. Slowness isn’t laziness; slowness is intentionality.

The Reality: Life Has Time Crunches

The article is right—but it’s also written from a vantage point where slowing down is a choice. For many of us, especially parents, slowing down is a luxury we have to create, not something that naturally exists. There are moments where slowing down is wise… and moments where speeding up is necessary.

When Slowing Down Helps

• When I’m journaling

• When I’m helping my kids with homework

• When I’m practicing Taekwondo forms

• When I’m reflecting on my week

• When I’m spending time with my wife

• When I’m learning Swift in small, focused sessions

  
  

These moments require presence, not speed.

When Speeding Up Helps

• When the morning routine is running behind

• When a work deadline is tight

• When the kids need to be out the door

• When a task is simple and doesn’t need deep thought

• When I’m clearing small items to protect time for bigger ones

  
  

Speed isn’t the enemy. Mindless speed is.

The Balance: Slow Where It Matters, Fast Where It Doesn’t

This is the leadership lesson I took from the article: slow down for the things that build your life. Speed up for the things that simply maintain it. Slowing down is how I:

• Stay grounded

• Stay connected

• Stay spiritually aligned

• Stay disciplined

• Stay healthy

  
  

Speeding up is how I:

• Protect my evenings

• Keep my schedule tight

• Avoid unnecessary stress

• Make room for family time

• Maintain momentum

  
  

The wisdom is in knowing the difference.

How I Apply This in My Daily Life

1. Taekwondo

Slow, intentional practice builds technique. Fast, explosive movement builds power. Both matter.

2. Parenting

Slow for conversations, hugs, and teaching moments. Fast for getting shoes on and getting out the door.

3. Work

Slow for strategy, planning, and deep thinking. Fast for emails, admin tasks, and low-value items.

4. Personal Growth

Slow for journaling, reflection, and spiritual reading. Fast for clearing clutter and resetting my environment.

5. Learning iOS Development

Slow for understanding concepts. Fast for repetition and drills.

Why This Matters for Busy Parents

Parents live in a world where everything feels urgent. But the truth is, most things aren’t. The article reminds us that:

• Relationships grow slowly

• Mastery grows slowly

• Health grows slowly

• Wisdom grows slowly

• Joy grows slowly

  
  

And those are the things that matter.

But parenting also teaches us that:

• Kids don’t wait

• Work doesn’t pause

• Life doesn’t stop

  
  

So we learn to move fast when needed and slow when it counts. That’s real discipline. That’s real leadership. That’s real intentional living.

Embracing the Journey of Balance

Finding this balance is a journey. It’s not always easy, and I often find myself caught in the whirlwind of daily life. Yet, I remind myself that it’s okay to pause and reflect. Each moment spent in intentional slowness allows me to recharge and reconnect with what truly matters.

In my experience, the moments I cherish most are those spent in slow, meaningful engagement. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation with my wife or a quiet moment of reflection, these are the times that fill my soul.

Closing Reflection

I support the article’s message wholeheartedly: slowing down is radical, necessary, and healing. But I also believe this: the real mastery is knowing when to slow down and when to speed up. Life isn’t one pace. It’s a rhythm.

And the more intentional we become with that rhythm, the more grounded, productive, and fulfilled we become. If you’ve been feeling the pressure to move faster, maybe this is your reminder to slow down. And if you’ve been stuck in slow mode, maybe this is your reminder that it’s okay to speed up when the moment calls for it.

Both can be done with purpose. Both can be done with peace.

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