The Need To Learn "Slowing Down"
Why Slowing Down is critical for Personal Growth?
If you had an exam coming up that was all about YOU—about who you really are, what you truly want, and why you do what you do—would you pass or fail?
Can you imagine a world where we weren’t taught how to slow down? There is no course in my school journey that teaches us how to pause, reflect, and truly understand our own journey? Think about it: we have countless tests and exams throughout our lives, but how many of them actually focus on understanding ourselves?
We’re all familiar with the pressure to rush—get good grades, land that dream job, climb the career ladder, and follow a timeline of success that feels more like a checklist than a meaningful path. But is this really what life is about? Are we just ticking off boxes without ever questioning what we truly want?
As a Gen Z student just about to graduate, I’ve realized something. The constant rush toward achievements often leaves little room for reflection. We push ourselves to meet expectations—grades, internships, accolades—without stopping to ask, “Why am I doing this? Does this even align with who I am and what I want out of life?”
When you try to slow down, the reflection is worthy than learning something new.
Life isn’t a race. It’s an exploration of who we are and what truly matters to us. When we focus too much on checking off milestones, we risk missing out on the self-discovery process. We often rush forward without considering if we’re on the right path or even if we’re pursuing goals that are authentically ours.
In my final year at business school, I’ve come to understand the importance of slowing down because it helps us understand us better. Reflection isn’t just about looking back at what we’ve done—it’s about understanding why we’ve done it. What motivates us? What do we truly care about? These questions help us realign our actions with our true selves.
But why slowing down is hard?
So why is slowing down so difficult? Society tells us to keep moving, to hustle, to keep up with everyone else. But here’s the thing: pausing isn’t quitting. It’s recalibrating. When we slow down, we give ourselves space to check in—are we following the right path? Are our goals in line with our passions? Are we living a life that feels true to who we are?
Your True Self Awaits When You Reflect
Slowing down doesn’t mean abandoning your ambition. In fact, it can help you pursue your dreams with more clarity and purpose. You might even find that the goals you thought you wanted are different than what you truly desire. And that’s okay.
Design Your Own Path
The key is to design your own life—not one shaped by external pressures or societal norms. Take the time to reflect on what really matters to you. What does success look like for you? What kind of career, relationships, and experiences would make your life meaningful?
Enjoy the Journey
Yes, you read that correctly—life isn’t a race toward a finish line. It’s about the journey: the experiences, the challenges, the reflections along the way. When you slow down, you open yourself to new possibilities and insights. This is how you create a life that’s truly yours—one that’s meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with who you are.
Congrats on making it to the end! If this post gave you a moment to pause and reflect, then it’s already a win. I am SO HAPPY.
Life isn’t about rushing—it’s about discovering what truly matters to you. Keep embracing the slow moments; that’s where the real growth happens!
Cheers
