Know when to go and when to go slow...

I can relate to this quote; I often have one speed, and my foot rarely hits the brake. But as time has passed, I’ve learned the benefits, some would say necessity, of pausing to look, listen, and learn. 

·      Just stopping and looking around has the potential to reset perspectives and momentum – from seeing the looks on people’s faces to noting which way the wind is blowing. 

·      I had to learn to ask questions and listen to the answers – it can be fun and fulfilling to be an individual contributor, but two heads (or more) are always better than one. There’s strength and power in numbers.

·      And learning – from mistakes to new developments: if you’re not continuously learning you’re probably falling behind. This applies to everyone (individuals, families, leaders, and companies).

That said: if you let looking, listening, and learning slow you down where and when needed, you’ll be better able to live up to your full responsibilities. As a better person, friend, family member, employee, manager, leader, neighbor, and citizen. The test of your character is what it takes to stop or slow you down. Don't be so full of yourself that you ignore what's being said or going down. Learn this sooner rather than later so you’ll be more effective more of the time. Know when to go and when to go slow today.

 

Robert Reynolds Jones Sr. (1883 – 1968): American evangelist, pioneer religious broadcaster, and the founder and first president of Bob Jones University.