The Reality of Haste

Haste is a common experience, as many people find themselves fleeing from their own selves. This sentiment is echoed in the words of Friedrich Nietzsche in Untimely Meditations.

We live in a world where rushing has become the norm, especially when we're behind the wheel. Each trip transforms into a race against time, as we strive to reach our destination as swiftly as possible. I often catch myself speeding up even when I have ample time — sometimes without a clear plan for what I'll do upon arrival.

The urgency extends beyond the roads. Research from TheBarbecueLab.com highlights that American families allocate around 10% of their income to fast food, indicating that even at home, we are pressed for time. Meals are often pre-packaged or microwave-ready, making traditional home cooking seem like a thing of the past.

Shopping habits reflect this hurried lifestyle as well. I find myself adding extra items to my online cart merely to qualify for free next-day delivery. Even vacations, which should be a break from the norm, are often crammed with activities. I recall hiking through stunning parks, eager to finish quickly, only to realize that there was no reward waiting for me at the end.

Why do we find ourselves caught in this relentless cycle of urgency? When we rush, our focus narrows, leaving little room for contemplation or emotional reflection. This haste serves as an escape, perhaps from the very rush itself. We must recognize that our hurried lifestyle is a choice, not an unavoidable aspect of life.

It's challenging to envision an alternate way of living, and many of us mistakenly believe that our constant busyness serves us well. However, this frantic pace often leads to burnout and dissatisfaction. Breaking the habit of rushing is possible, starting with an awareness of our hurried state.

If we continuously feel pressed for time, it’s likely because we are either overcommitting ourselves or engaging in trivial tasks — often both. There's enough time to accomplish what truly matters, yet many essential activities are sidelined because they lack a sense of urgency.

A powerful lesson can be drawn from the Navy SEALs' mantra: "Slow is steady, steady is smooth, smooth is fast." Slowing down allows us to appreciate the journey itself.

— Rod Pickett

Now available at Amazon: The Courageous Heart: Wisdom for Difficult Times in paperback and eBook.