"Parfois, il faut ralentir pour pouvoir accélérer."

Imagine you’re driving on a long, winding road. If you’re going too fast, you might miss a crucial turn or, worse, skid off the road. The essence of the quote is pretty much this: sometimes, you need to take a beat, slow down, get your bearings, and then you can actually move faster and more efficiently in the right direction.

This idea isn’t new. It’s been said in various ways throughout history. Think back to Aesop's fable of the tortoise and the hare. The hare races ahead, confident and brash, while the tortoise plods along steadily. In the end, the tortoise’s consistent, measured pace wins the race. Why? Because speeding through life without thought often leads to mistakes, burnout, or missed opportunities.

Take Marie Kondo’s method of tidying up for a practical example. At first glance, it might seem like meticulously folding your clothes or sorting through every item in your home is a painstakingly slow process. You might think, "I don’t have time for this!" But once you’ve decluttered and everything has its place, you spend far less time looking for things, cleaning, and feeling overwhelmed. The initial slow down — taking the time to tidy up — allows you to speed up in your daily routines.

Now, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by identifying areas where you feel rushed or constantly behind. Is it your morning routine? Try waking up just 15 minutes earlier. Use that time to enjoy your coffee, plan your day, or simply breathe. You might find that those few extra quiet minutes set a calm tone, making your whole day flow more smoothly.

Or, let’s say you’re working on a big project at your job. Instead of diving in headfirst without a plan, take a step back. Map out what needs to be done, set smaller goals, and ensure you have all the resources you need. It might feel like you’re wasting time planning, but in reality, you’ll likely avoid pitfalls and be more efficient in your execution.

Picture this: Sarah, a graphic designer, was always rushing from one client project to another, barely taking time to breathe. She realized she was making more mistakes, missing details, and feeling utterly drained. On the advice of a mentor, she started scheduling “planning days” where she'd review upcoming projects, organize her workspace, and even take a few minutes to meditate. Initially, she worried she was losing precious billable hours. But soon, she noticed her work quality improved, deadlines were easier to meet, and she even had time to take on new clients. By slowing down, she was able to speed up.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught in the rush. But remember, like that winding road, taking your foot off the gas occasionally can help you steer more accurately and avoid crashes. Slow down to speed up — it’s about mindful pacing, not about the number of steps you take, but making each step count. And sometimes, a little pause is all you need to propel yourself forward with greater momentum.