The Art of Slowing Down: Finding Clarity in a Fast-Paced World

How to Stop Speeding in the Wrong Direction and Start Living with Purpose

Feb 22, 2025

Dear Genius,

When I started this newsletter, I had one goal: to ignite the Genius within young creatives like you, who are tired of feeling stuck or held back.

We’ve all been there, standing at the crossroads of “What’s next?” and “Is this all there is?” But here’s the truth: you’re not alone and don’t have to stay stuck.

These letters are packed with hacks, insights, and practical tips to help you grow, push boundaries, and unlock your potential.

Today’s newsletter focuses on keeping in touch with what matters the most to you.

I have included resource material at the end of the letter to guide you this year.

This letter will take you about ~5 minutes to read. The last article is available here.

Are you Driving in the Wrong Lane?

We’ve all been there. You’re cruising down the highway of life, feeling like you’ve got everything under control. You’re making progress, checking off goals, and moving fast. But then, something happens. Maybe it’s a missed opportunity, a failed project, or a conversation that leaves you questioning everything. Suddenly, you realize You’re in the wrong lane.

It’s a sinking feeling. You’ve been speeding ahead, but now you’re unsure if you’re even headed in the right direction.

There is nothing as painful as going fast on the wrong lane with the wrong mindset and at the wrong time.

The good news? You’re not alone. And more importantly, you can always correct your course.

Why We End Up in the Wrong Lane

Let’s face it—life is messy. We make decisions based on the information we have at the time, but sometimes, that information is incomplete or just plain wrong. Here are a few common reasons we find ourselves in the wrong lane:

1. We assume we know everything.

Confidence is great, but overconfidence can be dangerous. When we assume we have all the answers, we stop asking questions. We stop learning. And that’s when we risk veering off course.

2. We fear slowing down

In a world that glorifies “hustle culture,” slowing down can feel like failure. But moving fast without direction is like driving with a broken GPS—you’ll end up lost, even if you’re making a great time.

3. We ignore the indications

Sometimes, the universe sends us subtle (or not-so-subtle) signs that we’re headed in the wrong direction. Maybe it’s a gut feeling, feedback from a friend, or a recurring problem we can’t seem to solve. Ignoring these signs prolongs the pain.

How to Get Back on Track

The key to avoiding (or recovering from) the wrong lane is a combination of humility, curiosity, and intentional action. Here’s how to put these principles into practice:

Humble yourself and acknowledge that you do not know everything.

Humility is not about thinking less of yourself—it’s about thinking *of* yourself less. It’s about recognizing that you don’t have all the answers and being open to learning from others.

- Action Step: Identify one area where you’ve been stubborn or resistant to feedback. This could be in your career, relationships, or personal habits.

Ask yourself, “What can I learn from someone who sees this differently?”

Read, Listen and Broaden Your Perspective

Knowledge is the compass that keeps us aligned. Exposing ourselves to new ideas equips us to make informed decisions.

- Action Step: Commit to reading one book or article or listening to one podcast episode this week that challenges your beliefs. For example, if you’re stuck in a career rut, pick up a book on career transitions or listen to an interview with someone who’s successfully pivoted.

Ask questions — even the difficult ones.

Curiosity is the antidote to assumption. When we ask questions, we open ourselves to new possibilities and insights.

- Action Step: Write down three questions you’ve been avoiding. These could be about your career, relationships, or personal growth. For example:

- Am I delighted in my current job, or am I just comfortable?
- What’s one habit I need to change to live a healthier life?
- Who can I ask for honest feedback about my strengths and weaknesses?

Reevaluate your position regularly.

Growth requires course correction. Just like a pilot adjusts their flight path to account for turbulence or weather changes, we need to regularly check in with ourselves to ensure we’re on track.

- Action Step: Set aside 15 minutes at the end of each week to reflect on your progress. Ask yourself:

What went well this week?
What didn’t go as planned?
What’s one adjustment I can make next week to stay aligned with my goals?

Take time to reconnect with your “Why.”

Sometimes, slowing down is the best way to get back on track. We gain clarity and direction when we pause and reconnect with our purpose.

- Action Step: Take a day (or even just an hour) to disconnect from distractions and reflect on your “why.” Why are you pursuing your current goals? Are they still aligned with your values and passions? If not, what needs to change?

Life is a journey, and sometimes we take wrong turns. But as long as we’re willing to learn, adapt, and grow, we can always find our way back.

So, take a moment to reflect: Are you driving in the right lane? If not, what’s one small step you can take today to course-correct?

Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. Slow down, stay curious, and keep learning. The road ahead is full of possibilities.

Until I write to you again, don’t stop being a Genius!

James Iroro

The Genius Note

I hope this letter has inspired you in some way.

If you’re ready to elevate your life to the next level, I invite you to explore my latest book, The New Season Checklist. In it, I outline eight key pillars that, when applied, can unlock transformative change.