"どんなにゆっくりでも、止まらなければそれでよい"

The essence of this quote is all about persistence. It underscores the idea that progress, no matter how slow, is still progress. The key is not to give up. It’s the steady, consistent effort toward a goal that ultimately leads to success, not the speed at which you get there.

This quote is often attributed to Confucius, an ancient Chinese philosopher known for his wisdom and guidance on how to live a meaningful life. Imagine living in ancient China, where the pace of life was slower and more deliberate compared to our modern, fast-paced world. Confucius emphasized the importance of perseverance to his followers, many of whom faced hardships and slow progress in their personal and professional lives. His advice was a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Think about a marathon runner. Let’s say her name is Sarah. She’s not the fastest runner, and she knows it. When she sets out to run her first marathon, she’s not aiming to finish in the top three. In fact, her only goal is to finish the race. The marathon day arrives, and she starts running. She’s passed by dozens of runners, but she keeps her own pace. There are moments when she’s tempted to stop. Her legs ache, and her breath is ragged. But she remembers why she started running in the first place — for the challenge, for her health, and for the sheer joy of accomplishing something she once thought impossible. Hours later, she crosses the finish line. She's exhausted but elated. She made it. She didn't stop.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Whether you’re working on a big project, trying to learn a new skill, or making personal changes, it’s not about how quickly you can do it. The important part is that you keep moving forward. Little by little, step by step.

Here’s some practical advice: break your goal into smaller, manageable tasks. Let’s say you want to write a book. The idea of writing 300 pages might seem overwhelming. Instead, focus on writing one page a day. One page at a time might seem slow, but in a year, you’ll have a complete manuscript. Keep your eyes on the process, not just the end result.

Picture this scenario: You’re trying to learn to play the guitar. In the beginning, your fingers hurt, and you can barely switch between chords. You might feel like you’re not making any progress. But if you practice for just 15 minutes every day, you'll improve. Slowly, sure, but you’ll get better. One day you'll look back and realize how far you've come.

We live in a world that celebrates overnight success and instant gratification. But real growth and achievement come from the slow, steady grind. It's not glamorous, and it doesn’t make for exciting headlines. But it works. Think of a tree growing — you don’t see the progress day by day, but over time, it becomes a towering presence.

So, next time you feel like you’re moving at a snail’s pace, remember Sarah, the marathon runner, or your own efforts on the guitar. Keep going. Don’t stop. The journey might be slow, but you’ll get there as long as you keep moving forward.