Speed Or Patience?

My plan initially was to write this right before the new year, but guess that didn't happen. 

In December of last year, I made the decision to unplug from work and treat myself to a little vacation away from the city of Karachi. Right before I left for my trip, I read and article by Neil Patel on unplugging and how its crucial for #marketers to detach themselves from their reactive professions and to reflect upon themselves. 

During my two week vacation, I was able to give myself the much needed down time my mind and body had been waiting for. Having started Backspace a little over a year ago, keeping the private tuitions for Economics alive, maintaining business and personal relationships while striving to fulfill personal goals and ambitions was a bit of an energy consuming task. Not one which lead to "burn out". But one which lead me to notice a dip in the quality of work I may have been churning out.

Marketing is not the only "reactive" profession or field of work out there. The way we live our lives, we find ourselves in situations at work which expect an instant reaction from us. "Speed is of the essence". But often times, being calm and calculated is how we should be reacting. Speed may not add much value if quality is not there. 

If you know me, I'm a huge fan of Gary Vaynerchuk. Terms like "hustle" and "living in the dirt" were made popular over the past few years, by him. But if you look closely and try to understand the real meaning, it's all about patience. I feel "patience" is something which can't be thrown around so lightly, but has to really be embodied within your life. Whether that be to achieve professional success or personal goals, patience is a quality which should really be pushed in the work place. 

Am I saying don't be quick and work with speed? No. What I am saying is, find a balance. Allow yourself and your team the space to find the sweet spot.