When I first started in consulting… I used to think working late was something to be proud of.

I’d hear stories of consultants staying in the office past midnight — even pulling all-nighters — and honestly, I kind of wanted that for myself.

Because back then, being busy felt like being important.

If you were slammed with meetings, responding to emails at 11pm, constantly ‘on’ — that meant you mattered.

I see it very differently now — probably a sign I’m getting older:)

Pushing too hard — especially harder than you can recover from — might get you more done in the short term…

But it breaks your rhythm. It messes with your mental clarity, your energy, your creativity.

And over time, that rush to do more actually makes you deliver less.

I was re-reading Essentialism recently, and one line hit me hard:
‘Don’t work longer than you can recover from today.’

It’s not about how fast you can go.
It’s about how smoothly you can go — because smooth is fast.
And more importantly… it’s what lasts.

What does a slow but smooth pace look like for you — in work, money, or life?