The Better Blueprint

Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast: A Gentle Reminder to Find Your Pace

For those of us who’ve spent a lifetime sprinting, it can feel counterintuitive—even unsettling—to slow down. But here’s a gentle truth: slowing down is not a retreat; it’s a way forward. It’s the key to finding a rhythm that allows you to stay in the game, to keep growing, and to genuinely thrive.

I spent years convinced that anything less than giving 100% at all times was a missed opportunity. But eventually, that pace catches up with you. Like a runner who burns out before the finish line, moving too fast can pull you out of the race entirely. And by then, it’s often too late to adjust.

Life, though, is less of a sprint and more like a quiet journey. True progress is built on compounding: small, meaningful steps taken over time. It’s about staying in the game, letting time work its magic. And slowing down is what makes that possible.

When you allow yourself to move more slowly, the world around you softens. Suddenly, you can:

• Spot the energy drainers that weigh on your heart, and the uplifters that remind you of your purpose.

• Uncover hidden joys that might have been a blur at high speed.

• Create space for the moments that matter—those chances for laughter, for reflection, for simply being.

• Notice the small beauties in a world that you usually rush past: a soft breeze, a stranger’s smile, the warmth of sunlight.

The Navy SEALs say, “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast,” and perhaps it’s a reminder we all need. The paradox of speed is that, when you slow down, you start moving in a way that truly lasts. In finding that steady, gentle pace, you allow yourself to not only keep up but to keep going in a way that feels whole and true.

Find Your Garden

There’s a tale of John D. Rockefeller that I think about often. Even with the weight of empires on his shoulders, he’d step away from the bustling world, finding his way to a small, humble garden. It wasn’t anything grand by the sounds of it, just a quiet place with green leaves and soft earth, where he could let his thoughts unfurl slowly, like new blooms reaching for sunlight.

I sometimes imagine him there, hands clasped behind his back, perhaps, or crouched low to inspect a flower petal. The garden was his refuge, a place where he could breathe without the pressing demands of success closing in. He could simply be himself—no towering achievements or urgent plans, just a man standing amidst the green.

In my own conversations with those who have known a different kind of success, I find that each has their own version of Rockefeller’s garden. For some, it’s a quiet morning walk in the woods; for others, it’s a sun-dappled corner with a favorite book or a place by the sea where they can watch the waves roll in, smoothing their worries with each rise and fall.

There’s a lesson here, I think. We all need our garden—a space that allows us to pause, to step away from the noise. This isn’t about abandoning your responsibilities or shirking ambition; it’s about nurturing the gentle corners of your mind, where you can wander without a destination, savoring the quiet as it wraps around you like a warm shawl.

So find your garden. It doesn’t have to be a place with roses or towering trees. It could be as simple as a cozy chair by a window or a favorite path that winds through your memories. But enter it often. Let it be the pause that allows you to reflect, the stillness that makes room for new ideas, the quiet where you can simply exist, untouched by the world’s demands.

A Great Quote

"Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. The measure of intelligence is the ability to change. Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."

— Often attributed to Albert Einstein​

Book Review: Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday

In Stillness is the Key, Ryan Holiday presents a compelling argument for the power of slowing down, tuning into the present, and embracing the quiet that lies beneath the surface of our busy lives. Drawing from the wisdom of Stoic and Eastern philosophy, as well as anecdotes from history, Holiday crafts a guide that feels both timeless and deeply relevant to the modern reader.

Theme & Structure: The book is divided into three parts: Mind, Spirit, and Body. Each section delves into ways we can cultivate stillness in our thoughts, emotions, and physical lives. This framework allows Holiday to explore diverse paths to tranquility—from managing our thoughts to nurturing our spirituality and physical well-being. The way he organizes the content invites readers to think holistically, realizing that true stillness isn’t confined to just one aspect of our lives but is a synergy of the mental, emotional, and physical.

Content Highlights: Holiday draws inspiration from a fascinating range of figures, such as Winston Churchill, Leonardo da Vinci, and even modern athletes. He explores how these individuals sought stillness in their lives, revealing that even the most successful and seemingly busy people understood the need to slow down and find peace. He offers actionable insights, like developing a morning routine, practicing mindfulness, and setting boundaries to protect one’s time and energy.

Strengths: One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its accessibility. Holiday’s writing is crisp and clear, making complex philosophical ideas easy to grasp. He combines ancient wisdom with contemporary relevance, so the lessons feel as applicable now as they would have centuries ago. Moreover, he provides practical steps, which makes it not just an inspiring read but also a useful manual for those seeking to implement these ideas into their daily lives.

Weaknesses: For readers who are familiar with Holiday’s earlier works or well-versed in Stoic philosophy, some of the concepts may feel repetitive. Additionally, while Holiday’s examples are varied, some might find the historical anecdotes slightly oversimplified. The book doesn’t delve deeply into any one philosophy or figure, instead skimming the surface to make broader points.

Overall Impression: Stillness is the Key is a refreshing reminder of the importance of embracing quietness in a world that often equates busyness with success. Holiday’s reflections are inspiring, his lessons practical, and his tone both motivational and empathetic. It’s a perfect read for those feeling overwhelmed or out of balance, offering a gentle nudge towards a more peaceful, reflective way of living.

In a culture that rewards speed, Holiday’s message is a valuable counterbalance. It reminds us that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is stop, breathe, and simply be. If you’re looking for a guide to help you slow down and cultivate a more fulfilling pace, Stillness is the Key might be just what you need.

About : Welcome to our fortnightly newsletter, where in each edition, you'll find two sections dedicated to personal growth, a meticulously curated quote to inspire, and a review of a life-changing book. Plus, we'll occasionally delve deeper into habits and self-improvement frameworks.