I feel it, you feel it, anyone alive feels it--the occasional need to speed through life.
Like knowing today is your Friday, you just want to get the day over and done with so you can start your weekend. Then on Sunday, you're already loathing the next five days.
That's not a productive way to live life, and I've been struggling with this recently.
Forgetting the little bits of joy I do get to experience each day after working a 9-5.
In the past, I wouldn't take the time and money to invest in myself and my dreams. I think money can make you happier, but not in that way you're probably thinking.
Recently, I decided to slow down. Smell the roses, as my best friend would say.
Be more purposeful in not wishing away the days I have left to live.
Each day, if we observe it actively, it can give us what we want most. Peace is one of them. The little bits of joy you feel when you sit down to write until you have no more words to say. Or play with a chord progression until you feel ready to turn it into something else.
But it's essential to maintain a purpose behind the things you do. What are you building?
Are you excited about what you're bringing into reality?
What I Learned From My Last Mentor
This morning, I called up my Nana, and we got to talking about finding a mentor. The idea that my last "mentor" died, and I haven't looked for another since. I'd never met the guy in person, but I consumed all of his content like my life depended on it.
Steve Jobs taught me that when building something, it's essential to take care in every aspect of that creation. Both parts unseen, and the parts seen and felt every day.
I swear there's nothing on this planet with the build quality and craftsmanship of an iPhone.
Apple has managed to create this feeling with all of its products, from unboxing to daily use. I can't say I ever felt surprise and delight every time I used a Windows PC. I use one for work, and though it allows me to do my job, it's not a joyful experience.
An experience that's hard to explain in words unless you've experienced what I'm talking about with an Apple product.
They're just built different.
I've studied businesses for years, primarily Apple and the tech industry giants, and they each approach tech differently, like giving five artists an idea to paint and each coming up with a unique perspective.
Yet it's not the technology achieving this, but rather the user.
Technology will always be an enabler of human capacity for innovation and a higher quality of life. Steve always believed that technology at the intersection of liberal arts would yield the most good.
I concur.
His vision was to leave the world better than he found it.
Steve Jobs certainly left the world better with Apple in it. They aren't perfect, but they're the best we have when it comes to ethically run companies. Apple has always had a laser focus on the customer and their needs. Creating products that surprise and delight.
It feels like magic when you use an Apple device.
Steve Jobs taught me to take my time when producing products and services. To get them right, not to be first, but to be the best.
To create a similar feeling in your products, they have to be made with care. People will notice that. How do you accomplish this? By taking your time in the journey from idea to finished product.
Never rush something just to get it out.
Allow it time to incubate and evolve as you experiment and build something worthy of the customer.
I forgot all about this while in the throes of existing lately.
The Importance of Smelling The Roses
We all need reminders to slow down.
You might want a finished album, a draft, a presentation, an application, or whatever, but you'll be remiss if you rush through the experience.
I decided to take my time and live in the moment, as they say.
In The Ultimate Guide to Mindful Living (Even If You Can't Meditate For 5 Minutes), I talked about how to return to the present moment with just your breath.
I'm going to use these same techniques whenever I feel the urge to rush through something. To just get it done so I can move on to the next thing.
If you're in a similar situation, I suggest you do the same.
Especially if you feel lost or overwhelmed with all the things you've got going on, and you just want to hurry to the finish line.
Pause.
Take a breath.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
You are not lost. You're just rushing. You think you have to catch up to a goalpost that someone else set. Don't be afraid to take all the time you need.
Why?
Because the journey is always the best part.
As a songwriter, I’m constantly chasing the next hook or verse. This was a great reminder that the space between the notes matters just as much as the notes themselves. You’ve shown us how we need to slow down in our own art. I want my creative work to last, not just hit the algorithm for a week and vanish. I’m going to slow down this weekend and actually notice where I am right now. Another insightful read Idris Elijah!
The Apple analogy really stuck with me. Quality over speed. I like how you tied this back to Steve Jobs. The “intersection of technology and liberal arts” is such a beautiful way to look at life, not just products. Thank you for reminding me that slow progress is still progress. Sometimes we don’t see the change until one day we wake up and it’s there. I enjoyed this important and motivating topic Idris!