The Speed Trap

“In an effort to go faster and outsmart the process we turn to shortcuts, cut corners, and engage in short-term behavior. While it might seem like we’re going faster, these tiny debts accumulate into an anchor.” – Shane Parrish

The Speed Trap

This summer, my son Gus and his friends took a road trip before heading back to college. They decided they would caravan from Austin to Banff National Park in Canada, 1,734 miles away. Epic. Tolkien would be proud. 

A couple of days into the trip, Gus called needing a copy of our car insurance. They’d been pulled over for speeding. Mom hooked him up. The officer gave them a break and all was well. I was happy for them, for our insurance rates, and for my peace of mind. Gus later confirmed they slowed down and drove the speed limit for the rest of the trip. They didn’t want to tempt fate twice. 

The difference between averaging 70 mph and 80 mph is only 10 min for every 100 miles. Altogether, speeding would have only “saved” them less than 3 hours over the course of the whole road trip. But at what cost? 

Gus and his friends had a heck of a journey. They have a group photo with the half-buried caddies at Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. In Ground County, Utah, they took in the Entrada Sandstone Arches in Arches National State Park. Their route would take them through the panoramic Rockies and maybe a few Canadian breweries. Why would you want to get through these places faster?

I’ve been that driver perpetually trying to beat the GPS arrival estimate like they hand out medals. Meanwhile, passengers are white-knuckling the grab handles and braking on the floor mats. And all the delightful roadside oddities are flashing by. 

Are you getting it? This isn’t an article about driver safety. In an effort to get more done, we speed through our days, rushing from task to task. It’s likely our teams (or worse, our families) wish life came with an oh-sh*t handle. We may be piling up wins but what’s the price? What are we missing? 

Cultivate some gaps in your days. Practice sitting with yourself, even if just for a minute. What happens if you don’t turn on the radio for your commute? Inspiration whispers in quiet spaces. Tread a different path to your office. Connection happens in unplanned moments. Explore a little. Take it all in.

Slowing down does not make you slow. Tempo changes make for interesting music.

One question to ponder in your thinking time: When should I be sprinting and when should I be still?

Make an Impact!
Jay Papasan
Co-author of The ONE Thing & The Millionaire Real Estate Agent