Slow Down.

I get it. Move fast and break things. Disruption is everywhere. 5G and the rapid adoption of mobile means competitors from across the globe are moving faster, cheaper, launching features sooner - but it doesn't matter!

Slow down.

I am not conveying a message of inaction, far from it, but I am suggesting you slow down. To be calculated - not perfect. To not compromise on what you are doing, your plans, and your vision for the sake of keeping up with perceived competitors or self-inflicted deadlines.

Run your own race.

It is more important to execute as intended - with purpose. Not as a knee jerk reaction. Run your race, don't look over your shoulder however tempting it may be. Think about first principles, the absolute best way of solving the problem, not on launching an incremental improvement on what is currently in-market. It is not the gold standard you subscribe to.

Execute with intention.

Slowing down is not just about ensuring you execute with intention and on point with your original vision. It is now becoming a holistic approach. Don't be the chef that starts cooking without love in their hearts, the artist that paints to meet a rushed deadline. That is not as it was intended. It lacks the environment necessary for you to deliver your best results.

In a recent conversation on mental health and well-being with Omar de Silva from FOR MEN I was alarmed at figures surrounding entrepreneurs in their quest for success and I quickly realised the error of the some of the startup mantras we preach (and my own focus for that matter).

We need to get back to doing our best work...we need to get back to creating art. Whatever form that may take. Whether it's analogue or digital and I believe that our best output comes when we have harmony in our lives.

"I stop. I rest. I recharge then I get back up, but I don't give up" - Cyan Ta'eed (Co-founder Envato, Hey Tiger)

Perhaps the notion is a little idealistic but without the intention to move towards a balance or to create an environment where we can create our best work - it will continue to get pushed aside, to slide on our list of priorities.

So take time to recharge, to be social, to protect relationships, to be good husbands, wives, partners, parents. Take time to move with purpose, free from pressure and you will build something great because you are focused on consistently delivering your best.