Goals Set Go. Get There in Your Own Time
Finding Your Own Pace in a World Obsessed with Speed
The phrase "haste makes waste" has been a repeat offender in many of our lives.
Everyone, including the who's who of society, has experienced seasons of rushing from one thing to the next. The truth is that while we remain in a constant state of haste, if we do not know where we are going, we will eventually end up nowhere. Failure can overtake us in significant ways when speed replaces direction.
As we navigate the twenty-first century, our increasing reliance on technology has led to extraordinary advancements, often accompanied by the pressure to afford, understand, and master the devices that surround us. With each passing day, greater emphasis is placed on speed, productivity, and output. In this relentless push for innovation and technological progress, modern society seems to send a clear message: adapt quickly, or risk being left behind.
At times, it can feel like humanity is competing against technology itself. If competition has become essential to accessing opportunities and meeting basic needs, then it stands to reason that we should approach it with courage rather than fear.
However, sustaining competitiveness is an entirely different matter.
Why do we feel compelled to compare our progress to that of others—or even to robots and machines? Shouldn't we focus instead on our own goals and challenge ourselves to achieve them without constant comparison?
Establishing meaningful objectives and working steadily toward them is fundamental to personal growth. Participation in competitive environments requires resilience, discipline, and endurance. It is not for those who are unwilling to persevere. The true measure of success lies not in outperforming everyone else, but in the value of our contribution and the integrity with which we pursue our goals. Success requires adherence to principles, commitment to the process, and clarity about the destination.
I smile when I remember one of my father's words of wisdom:
"If mortal man can fail, let alone old iron."
Move at your own pace and at your own speed. It is imperative to remind yourself of that repeatedly. Do not be intimidated by those behind you honking their horns, urging you to go faster. Do not be afraid of technology, even when it seems to speak louder than human capability. Nor should you be concerned when the "old iron"—the motor vehicles of life—race past you.
Additionally, we often forget the timeless lesson of the tortoise and the hare. Speed may look impressive at the beginning, but endurance wins the day.
Remember, the race is not always won by the swift, but by those who keep moving forward—one steady step at a time.
