Quote of the Day: Haste and Progress

 

“Make haste slowly.”

I am sure I heard this when I was growing up but the first time it made an impression was when Mrs. Beaver said it in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I still didn’t understand how it would be possible but this holiday season I’ve made it a point to be fully in each moment.

Wonder of wonders, I get even more done. My kitchen cleans up faster. The presents were wrapped in love as well as paper and ribbons. Outings with friends became sweeter. While I have cut significant things out of my schedule, I’m still busy and feel as if more is accomplished.

From now on, make haste slowly is my new motto.

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There are 9 comments.

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  1. doulalady Member
    doulalady
    @doulalady

    It was one of my Father’s favorite sayings, along with, “Avoid beginnings.” and “Feelings are not the truth.”

    I’m still trying to perfect it in practice.

    • #1
  2. Boss Mongo Member
    Boss Mongo
    @BossMongo

    AUMom: Make haste slowly.

    Slow means smooth; smooth means fast.

    • #2
  3. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    Being in the moment, rather than ten moments ago or ten moments from now, is an amazing discipline. It changes life.


    If you would like to change someone’s life, perhaps you have a good quotation to share. We have open dates as soon as New Year’s Day. Sign up here.

    • #3
  4. Trink Coolidge
    Trink
    @Trink

    AUMom: The presents were wrapped in love as well as paper and ribbons. Outings with friends became sweeter.

    Beautiful . . . simply beautiful :)

    • #4
  5. Mim526 Inactive
    Mim526
    @Mim526

    “While I have cut significant things out of my schedule, I’m still busy and feel as if more is accomplished.”

    Inspiring and practical.

    @aumom, sounds like “Make haste slowly” is your serious vow.

    • #5
  6. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    I remember discovering this a few years ago. I’m a person who used to get great satisfaction out of doing things quickly. I may not have been the smartest, but I was the fastest! I remember coming home from working out one day, and I had to clean up to go to a get-together. Darn it, I wasn’t going to rush this time. So I took my time, not caring if I was late. As I was leaving, I glanced at the clock and stopped. I couldn’t stop staring at it; I felt like I’d entered a new dimension. I was going to be with my friends early! It was a great and huge lesson. I rarely hurry anymore and it feels so luxurious and satisfying. Thanks for the quote, @aumom!

    • #6
  7. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    AUMom: From now on, make haste slowly is my new motto.

    Two expressions I learned in the Navy were “Hurry up and wait,” and “Mill about smartly.”

    There are others I learned, but they’re not COC compliant . . .

    • #7
  8. Clifford A. Brown Member
    Clifford A. Brown
    @CliffordBrown

    Boss Mongo (View Comment):

    AUMom: Make haste slowly.

    Slow means smooth; smooth means fast.

    I first heard “slow means smooth; smooth means fast” as a young piano student. It didn’t take and I quit on the advice of my teacher. I then really learned it from my detachment sergeant on an Army range, where the lesson stuck.

    I think this is an amplified version of “make haste slowly,” explaining how it can be so. Like “measure twice, cut once.”

    • #8
  9. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    Clifford A. Brown (View Comment):
    I then really learned it from my detachment sergeant on an Army range, where the lesson stuck.

    Sort of like, “Squeeze the trigger…”

    • #9
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