The Power of Slowth ; Run Your Own Race

 

In a world where we hurry, taking your time is a form of strength. Sometimes doom scrolling on social media makes us feel like we are falling behind, but when we move too fast, we miss the truth. Slowing down isn't about being lazy; it’s about seeing clearly.

IN RELATIONSHIPS 

When you rush into a relationship, you only see what you want to see. You see the “best version”, sometimes the  “worst version” of a person. But real life happens in different seasons. You need to see how someone acts when they are tired, stressed, or angry or in a positive situation. Slowing down gives the other person time to show you who they really are. If you wait, the truth always comes out. You don't have to guess; you just have to watch.

IN FRIENDSHIPS

In her book, Mel Robbins talks about the “Let Them” theory in friendships. This is a powerful way to handle friendships using three pillars: Proximity, Timing, and Energy.

•Proximity: How close a friend is to you means more engagement than when they are not. Slowing down is realising that most of the time the spark gets lost due to proximity is not about hate it's just an occuring season needing to be embraced.

•Timing: Sometimes a friend is busy or going through a hard time. If they can’t show up right now, let them. It isn't always about you. Different timelines create a gap between friends but it means nothing when the energy is still alive.

•Energy: Pay attention to who reaches out. Stop chasing people who don't have the energy for you. Instead, show up for the people who make an effort to show up for you.

RUN YOUR OWN RACE

Sometimes social media is a “comparison trap.” It makes you think you aren't doing enough because someone else is winning. But victory comes at different times for everyone.

Run your own race: A win at age 20 is great, but a win at age 40 is just as powerful. You aren't “late”; you are on your own schedule.

Comparison as a teacher(The Let Them Theory): If you see someone doing well, don't feel bad. Let them show you that it is possible. Use their success as a lesson on how to get there yourself or hope that if someone else can do it so can you.

THE DISCIPLINE OF SLOW GROWTH

Slowing down takes discipline, especially in a world that moves fast. It is not always easy to be patient when everyone else seems to be rushing ahead. But real growth does not happen overnight. It takes time.

When you take your time, you build stronger things. You learn your lessons properly instead of repeating the same mistakes. You make better decisions because you are not under pressure. Even if no one sees it, slow growth builds a strong foundation in your life.

TRUSTING THE PROCESS

Sometimes slowing down feels uncomfortable. You may feel like you are behind or missing out. But a delay does not always mean something is not for you. Sometimes it just means the timing is not ready yet.

What is meant for you often takes time to develop. You are also growing as a person while you wait. Even when nothing seems to be happening, change is still happening in the background.

PROTECTING YOUR PEACE

Moving slower also helps you protect your peace. When you are not rushing or trying to impress others, you become more careful about what you allow into your life.

You start choosing people and situations that are good for you, not just things that look good from the outside. You understand that peace does not just happen. You have to protect it.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF CONFIDENCE

There is a quiet confidence that comes from not rushing. You stop feeling pressure to keep up with others. You stop comparing your life to theirs.

You begin to trust your own timing. You do not need constant approval from others. You understand that your life does not need to match anyone else’s to be meaningful.

In this space, you are not just reacting to life. You are living it at your own pace.

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