The Myth of “Faster Is Better”

In a world built on speed—fast decisions, fast growth, fast everything—it’s easy to assume that moving quickly is the same thing as being effective. We celebrate people who act fast, respond instantly, and seem to always be one step ahead. But through my experiences in chess, academics, and high-pressure environments, I’ve learned something different: slowing down is often where the smartest thinking happens.

Strategic stillness isn’t about doing less or being indecisive. It’s about making space to think clearly, focus deeply, and act with intention. In a culture that rewards constant motion, the ability to pause—and think slowly—isn’t a weakness. It’s a superpower.

Chess Trains You to Think Before You Move

One of my first experiences with deliberate thinking came from the chessboard. You learn quickly that every move has consequences, and rushing can cost you the game. You might have an aggressive idea that feels exciting in the moment, but if you haven’t thought through your opponent’s counterplay or the long-term position, it can backfire.

Chess taught me that the best players aren’t the fastest—they’re the most precise. They use their time wisely. They think not just about the next move, but the next five. And when the clock is ticking, they don’t panic. They focus.

This mindset has stayed with me well beyond the game. In school, work, and life, I’ve found that slowing down—even briefly—can be the difference between a quick reaction and a strategic response.

The University of Chicago and the Art of Deep Thinking

At the University of Chicago, the pace of learning was intense, but the culture encouraged students to think deeply rather than rush to conclusions. There were no shortcuts to understanding a complex theory or writing a strong paper. You had to wrestle with the material, sit with uncertainty, and embrace the discomfort of not knowing everything right away.

This experience helped me build a tolerance for slow thinking—something that’s often undervalued in modern work culture. We’re trained to chase efficiency, to answer quickly, to always be “on.” But UChicago taught me that some of the most valuable ideas come from time spent in reflection and structured thought.

Strategic Stillness in Everyday Decisions

Whether it’s planning a project, giving feedback, or deciding what direction to take in life, I try to practice what I call strategic stillness—intentionally slowing down before jumping to action. That might mean stepping away from a problem for a few hours or sleeping on a decision before sending that important email.

People sometimes mistake this for hesitation. But in reality, stillness gives me space to zoom out, weigh the tradeoffs, and align my actions with my values. Fast reactions can impress in the short term—but thoughtful decisions hold up over time.

In fact, some of the biggest missteps I’ve made came from moving too quickly—saying yes to something I wasn’t ready for, or reacting emotionally without giving myself room to process. Slowing down might feel uncomfortable at first, especially when everyone around you is moving fast. But I’ve learned to respect the space between stimulus and response—that’s where clarity lives.

Pressure Doesn’t Always Require Speed

There’s a common belief that high-pressure situations demand immediate action. And yes, sometimes that’s true. But more often than not, pressure requires composure, not urgency.

I think back to my days running hurdles—where one wrong step can send you crashing. The temptation was always to go faster. But ironically, it was timing and rhythm, not speed, that made the difference. Learning how to trust the process, breathe, and move with precision under pressure became one of the most important lessons I carried with me.

That lesson applies just as much in an academic setting, a work meeting, or even a tough personal moment. Strategic stillness helps you stay clear-headed when the stakes are high—so you can respond, not react.

Building a Culture That Values Clarity Over Speed

One of my hopes for the future of work is that we begin to shift our definition of productivity. It’s not about who sends the fastest reply or makes the quickest call—it’s about who consistently makes thoughtful, impactful decisions.

That kind of culture requires more than just individual stillness—it requires collective permission to pause. Leaders who value process over performance. Teams that prioritize meaningful collaboration over constant motion. And environments where taking time to think is seen as a strength, not a delay.

Personally, I try to model this in small ways—by asking better questions, leaving space in conversations, and not being afraid to say “let me think about that.” I’ve found that the quality of my contribution goes up when I give it room to breathe.

Stillness Is Strength

We live in a world where faster is often equated with better. But what I’ve learned—from chess, from education, from life—is that stillness is where strength is built. It’s where strategy is formed, where decisions are refined, and where confidence is grounded.

Thinking slowly doesn’t mean thinking less. It means thinking better.

So if you ever feel out of sync with a culture that’s moving too fast, don’t be afraid to pause. Step back. Breathe. Observe. And trust that your best decisions won’t come from racing—but from staying present, staying thoughtful, and staying true to your process.