Fast is Smooth and Smooth is Fast

We live in a time when it’s possible to be always on, always available, always connected and always primed to go.

We have our distractors 📱 to hand nearly all the time.

The Special Forces guys used to say to the recruits on the shooting range that fast is smooth and smooth is fast.

The faster the recruits tried to go, the slower and less accurate they became, the more they tried the more stressed and frustrated they became.

So what did the instructors do?

Sent them away for a micro-break.

Told them to take 5 breaths, in through the nose out through the mouth as long and slow as possible.

Then come back in and watch their shot groups come together.

This is a bit like life.

Fast forward a few years and working with F2/3 racing drivers, their technical coaches used to say ⬇️

‘You’re rushing it, slow down. Take a breath and ease through it.’

Another one said during free practice and qualifying.

‘Box. Come in, reset, take a breath and go again.’

I was amazed, 2 incredibly fast paced activities, shooting and driving a racing car, and they were told to slow down, be smooth, take a break.

This is a bit like life.

When the stress and pressure increases, taking a break (and some intentional breathing) actually allows the quality of what we are doing to show up.

Slowing down and focusing in on what really matters helps us to get the performance outcomes we are looking for regardless of whether that is ⤵️

👉 A board meeting

👉 A heated discussion at home

👉 An important discussion with your boss

👉 A deadline

👉 A sporting activity

Slow down, because fast is smooth and smooth is fast.