Slow down. Move forward.
Simplify, slow down, progress.
Read time: 5 mins
Hi reader,
Slowing down and doing less leads to achieving more. While there’s constant pressure to move faster and juggle more, this approach brings clarity, helps you focus on what matters, and prevents burnout.
After the summer holidays, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by endless demands, rushing through tasks or adding more to your to-do list in hopes of making progress. But this often leaves you feeling scattered and exhausted.
Many mistake being busy for being productive, getting trapped in the cycle of doing more while delivering lower-quality work.
The answer isn’t to speed up but to slow down, do less, and focus intentionally on what drives progress.
At a glance:
Slowing down
Do less, do more
Focused phone use
Slowing down
The desire for speed drives us to seek shortcuts—ways to get what we want faster with less effort.
But in chasing results, we forget that rushing often leads to failure or incomplete work.
Zero multiplied by anything is still zero.
Slowing down allows us to think, reflect, and fully engage.
Mindfulness teacher Haemin Sunim explains that happiness is often linked to a slow mind. When we slow down, we notice small details that bring joy and deepen our connections with others and our surroundings.
He has a good chat with Mo Gawdat about it here. (55 min listen)
This means taking breaks before we’re completely exhausted, as illustrated below.
Friendly reminder, by @lizandmollie
August was far from slow for me. Between family reunions, travel, and caring for a baby, my schedule felt overwhelming.
Yet, the moments that stand out weren't the big events but the quiet ones
playing with my son in our hotel room at 5am before a big family wedding
late-night chats with my partner in my parents' kitchen
on the swings in the park I played in as a kid, with my family
a cheeky beer with friends while our partners window-shopped
sitting in the garden with my brother, watching the little one crawl
These moments brought calm and clarity to a hectic month. Slowing down reminded me to appreciate the present and take small steps forward.
After the holidays, slowing down helped me fully enjoy an exciting opportunity: photographing Manresa’s Festa Major for the local press. Unlike previous years when I did it for fun, this time I had the responsibility to deliver newsworthy shots. I had to approach each shot with more thought, slowing down to ensure I captured something worthy for the press. Here are a few of my personal favorites.
The "Correfoc" has always felt like this town's main event of the year, like a WrestleMania or Champions League final. Nothing brings the town together like it. Last year, I was shown the ropes on how to photograph the event. This year, I felt like a smooth operator - right place, right time, every plaça. Closing out a summer I won't forget anytime soon.
Do less, do more
Hustle culture often makes us believe that doing more leads to success.
But more isn’t always better.
Spreading ourselves too thin results in a lack of focus, lower-quality work, and eventual burnout.
"People are trying to be smart - all I am trying to do is not to be idiotic, but it's harder than most people think." - Charlie Munger.
In other words, figuring out what not to do is just as important as figuring out what to focus on.
Whether it’s photo walks, private dinners with newsletter subscribers, public speaking, podcast appearances, or starting this newsletter, I’ve pursued these opportunities with curiosity rather than pressure.
These small tests have helped me refine where to invest my time and energy—and where not to.
Do less, do more. By Visualize Value
This process never ends.
There will always be new opportunities and distractions, which is why I’ve made it a practice to be selective—learning to do less and stay focused on what truly matters.
Focused phone use
One way I am trying to do less is by cutting down on distractions from my phone. This summer, I was introduced to "Minimalist Phone", and app that promotes mindful use of the phone.
Being hooked to the phone affects physical and mental health, relationships, and productivity. This app aims to help use the phone more intentionally by simplifying its interface and eliminating distractions.
It's still early days. The initial signs are positive. There's a free trial period before paying a one-off fee. Check it out yourself.
Final thoughts:
Today's newsletter, if nothing else, serves as a timely self-reminder as I settle into a new routine. Slowing down and being selective about where I focus my energy will help me navigate whatever comes next.
Some questions I'll ask myself, which might also serve you:
Where can I slow down?
What can I let go of to make room for what matters?
If a section has particularly interested you, click the link of the corresponding section. It helps me prepare future newsletters.
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See you in two weeks.
Has
