Ever heard of the slow is smooth and smooth is fast proverb? With a debate of its origin to questions of authenticity, this idiom often piques the interest of beings. This wisdom phrase is believed to have links with philosophy and science as well. The importance of this proverb seems to transcend and find its relevance in sports, business, and other domains.
While some preach the idea of taking the fastest route, others believe in maintaining rhythm to achieve precision. To get a better grip on the side of the debate and cure your inquisitiveness, let’s have a better look at the meaning, its idea, the science behind it, and whether or not it is practically useful.
Uncovering The Meaning Of The Idiom
Since slow is smooth and smooth is fast was revealed, there seems to be quite a long discussion on the meaning of it. At its core, the idiom emphasizes the role of technique and consistency in executing the task with precision and efficiency. Rushing things often leads to missing important details, overworking, and time management issues.
Contrary to popular belief, the fastest way to achieve success is to approach it methodically and consistently. This gradually leads to increased speed and mastery. As explained in ancient Chinese, ‘Nature doesn’t hurry, yet everything is accomplished’, the impact of small consistent efforts scales higher than rushed inaccurate methods.
Therefore, prioritizing the right tasks, non-delegations, and effective collaboration in a strategic direction results in achieving success in anything and everything.
The Science Behind The Saying Slow Is Smooth And Smooth Is Fast:
Science has supported the notion of working slowly and strategically. As per the researchers, when the brain is rushed the prefrontal cortex becomes overloaded. Thereby, resulting in increased chances of messing up the problem-solving, and decision-making skills, and diminishing creativity. The stress response might also lead to burnout.
Alternatively, when the brain is allowed to work slowly it engages in the task at hand fully. This focuses on neural connections facilitating efficiency and mastery. For instance, it is observed that the students when taught the concepts at depth even at a slow pace outperform their speed-focused mates.
How Working Slow Benefits?
For an effective and efficient outcome of any work, it’s important to think it through carefully and make a decision. Also giving some time and space to yourself before any task always proves beneficial. A legendary saying, “slow and steady wins the race”, is the best example of people who take one step at a time, think carefully throughout a task, and have minimal chances of mistakes.
Just like slow is smooth and smooth is fast suggests that doing work with a little precaution and time is much better than rushing things and ruining it. It simply means working a bit slowly can help people to think and focus to do the task correctly. This eventually helps in preserving resources and time in the fullness of time.
So let’s learn about the benefits of working slowly:
- Working slowly enhances the way of thinking which can lead to incredible innovative objectives.
- Slow working helps in improvising the plan. Taking sufficient time to think and plan ahead is like half work is already done.
- The quality of work severely depends on the time taken to complete it. The saying slow is smooth and smooth is fast explains that when work is done slowly and carefully it certainly helps to improve the quality of the outcome.
- When the work is done calmly people can focus completely on it and avoid multitasking.
- Rushing things can be fatal sometimes. So working slowly ensures the safety of people too. It is essential to work with caution and time in works like manufacturing and construction.
- Lastly, when the work is done slowly it also reduces stress and irritation. Working in a relaxed environment can have a better impact on the results.
How True is Slow Is Smooth And Smooth Is Fast In Business?
From the perspective of business, slow is smooth, and smooth is fast is very important. Rushing things in business can be lethal. Without the concern of the consumers, if a product is brought into the market, it may cause some serious damage to the company. Anyhow, by doing the work slowly, it can be avoided.
Taking time to do surveys to get what the demand is, proper production, and good quality of product will help boost the profit of the business in no time. Companies that take things at a slow pace and work on the quality and needs of consumers, like Apple, are the best examples of this proverb.
How To Work Slow And Smooth In Life?
As per the slow is smooth and smooth is fast, working slowly in life can change the way of your life completely in several ways such as:
Helps to see every aspect:
Thinking through before doing anything always leads to better results. Doing things hastily in life can cause a great deal. It’s very important to make certain decisions in life by taking proper time to think. Taking some time to think about every outcome of your actions will lead to the best decision in the long run.
Fewer risks in life:
Knowing what to do and what will be the outcome reduces the risk in life to a great degree. The idiom slow is smooth and smooth is fast proves accurate when a decision is taken after thinking carefully and giving appropriate time and the results prove to be right for you.
Advice from others:
Taking advice from others while making important decisions in life is very essential. So it’s very important to take sufficient time to take advice from several people as people always know something valuable.
My Real-Life Experience:
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast has imprinted a very positive impact in my life. Since I came to know about this saying, my life has become well-structured and stress-free. Earlier I was a reckless person and always eluded my work until the last minute. Due to this I always ended up working hastily and had a really hard time.
However, now, with plenty of time on my hands, I put just enough effort into my work without being hasty and get the best output.
Conclusion:
There is a difference between working slowly and being lazy so it’s important to make a balance between them. Doing things slowly is very productive as it minimizes the risk and is beneficial for the far future. However, it’s critical to make a line between doing work slowly and slaking, and people need to understand this and not confuse it with slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
What does ‘slow is smooth and smooth is fast’ mean?
The saying slow is smooth and smooth is fast explains the importance of consistency. It emphasizes taking a considerable amount of time to understand the technique and approaching it methodically rather than risking it with intensity.
Who first used the proverb slow is smooth and smooth is fast?
There’s an ongoing debate on the Internet about whether the proverb was first used by the authorities, author, entrepreneurs, athletes, or someone completely unknown.
Supposedly, the proverb was used by a Roman historian as ‘Festina Lente’ meaning Hasten slowly. Though the idea might have originated from an early American gunfighter Doc Holiday, the first person to use it is still an enigma.
How accurate is the saying?
According to Science, rushing out the brain engages and overloads the prefrontal cortex whereas slowing down assists in full engagement of the brain in the task at hand. Thereby, promoting speed, proficiency, and mastery at it.
Is slow is smooth and smooth is fast used as a motto in Navy seals?
The exact wording slow is smooth and smooth is fast is used as a motto in the US Navy and Seals to incorporate smoothness in operation. The maintained rhythm eventually leads to speed enhancement.
What does the idiom ‘slow is smooth and smooth is fast’ highlight?
The proverb highlights the importance of going methodically and at a consistent pace. This prevents the hazards of errors or omission while speeding and naturally fastens the pace.
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