We live in the age of immediacy. We want instant responses, 24-hour delivery, and visible results within days. We have become accustomed to immediate gratification, to the point that anything that takes time seems like an anomaly, proof that something isn’t working.
If we don’t learn a language in three months, if our business doesn’t take off in the first year, if we don’t find love after just a few dates, or if we don’t lose weight in a month, we convince ourselves that we’re wasting our time. But what if what we’re losing is perspective?
Why do we want everything right now?
According to psychologist Daniel Kahneman, our brains operate on two systems: a fast one – which is intuitive and emotional – and a slower one – which is more deliberate and analytical. The problem is that in a world where immediacy has become the norm, we have become accustomed to relying almost exclusively on the former.
We want certainty without reflection, solutions without process, and results with little effort. And when we don’t get what we want right away, it’s common to feel anxious or even think we’re failing.
On the other hand, we are also victims of impatience. We tend to have a bias called “hyperbolic discounting” that leads us to overvalue immediate rewards over future ones. As a result, we often prefer a small benefit today to a larger one in a year. In other words, we apply the saying “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
These are the main reasons why more and more people abandon a project when they don’t see results quickly or why they find it difficult to save for the future. Our brain wants results – and it wants them now.
However, the most valuable things are rarely built in a hurry.
The cumulative power of small steps
Confucius said: “It doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop.” What we should really be worried about is not moving forward. Being paralyzed by frustration or fear of failure. The feeling of “it’s too late for me or “this isn’t working” can condemn us to inaction, when in reality progress is not always visible in the short term, but occurs beneath the surface in a cumulative manner.
As Thomas Edison said: “I have not failed. I have found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” The key is not speed, but direction. One small step in the right direction is worth more than a frantic, aimless race.
Slow progress is not synonymous with stagnation. In fact, small steps often lead to extraordinary results over time. It is not always necessary to make superhuman efforts in a short time, but to be consistent and not give up.
Writing a page a day can turn into a book in a year. Exercising half an hour a day can transform your health in a few months. And spending a few minutes a day cultivating a relationship can strengthen it deeply and lastingly. The important thing is to keep going.
The safety of moving slowly: less vertigo, more consistency
Radical changes often entice us with the promise of immediate results. We want to transform our lives overnight: quit a job, move to another country, start a relationship or adopt a new lifestyle. However, these sudden changes, although exciting, can create an overwhelming vertigo. In many cases, the mountain of uncertainty that they bring leaves us so disoriented that we end up retreating to the safety of what is known to take refuge in our comfort zone.
In contrast, small steps often create a safer path. Moving forward gradually allows us to metabolize the changes, that is, to assimilate them and prepare for what is coming. Small steps give us the opportunity to adjust, learn, and build a solid foundation for the next step. This way we don’t get overwhelmed, but rather move forward with a greater sense of control and confidence.
It’s like climbing a ladder: if we do it step by step, we are less likely to fall.
In contrast, speed often throws us off balance. When we rush, it’s easy to lose sight of details, make mistakes, or make impulsive decisions we later regret. Small steps, on the other hand, allow us to reflect, adjust course, and make sure each choice is aligned with our values and goals.
Forget about speed, focus on direction
In a world that pushes us to run and praises immediacy, perhaps the most revolutionary act is to move forward at our own pace. Don’t be afraid to go slow because progress, however small it may seem, brings you closer to where you want to be. And as long as you keep moving, even at a snail’s pace, you will be building something valuable.
So the next time you feel the pressure of immediacy, remember: life is not a sprint, but rather a marathon. And in marathons, what matters is not who comes first, but who has the determination to keep running.
So if you feel like you’re not moving fast enough, stop for a moment, take a breath, and remember: it’s okay. The important thing is to know which direction you’re going in and to take small steps that will lead you to your goal.
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