STABILITY OVER SPEED: LESSONS IN PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

"You can't produce a baby in one month by getting nine women pregnant." Warren Buffett

This simple yet profound analogy speaks volumes about the nature of growth. No matter how fast-paced our world has become due to advances in technology and science, some things still require time. Growth is one of them.

To truly thrive—whether personally or professionally—we must embrace a long-term mindset. Growth is not a sprint but a marathon.

It’s easy to admire stories of people who seem to have "made it big" in a single year. But what those stories often omit are the countless years those individuals spent in the shadows, working on themselves, refining their skills, preparing for their moment and showing up.

While it’s possible to experience uncommon speed or breakthroughs, stability comes only when you have developed a strong foundation. Think of it this way: when envisioning the person you aspire to become, also acknowledge that it will take time to grow into that picture. True success isn’t about shooting to the top like a star, only to crash soon after. It’s about building the maturity, resilience, and strength to stay there.

In our quest for success, we must resist the urge to compromise on the processes that enable us to develop fully.

A tree with shallow roots may grow quickly, but it cannot withstand the storms. Similarly, a spine that isn’t fully developed cannot support the weight of the future you’re striving for. Growth may be gradual, but it’s the process that fortifies us for the challenges ahead.

Yes, there are tools like generative AI and other technologies that can accelerate certain aspects of our journey. They can save us time and enhance efficiency. But be cautious: tools should support your growth, not shortcut the process of becoming. If you skip the steps that refine and prepare you, you risk contributing to a system where machines can eventually replace you—not because they’re superior, but because you didn’t allow yourself to be 'thoroughly furnished'.

This isn’t a call to complacency or a license to delay action. On the contrary, it’s a reminder to give your all to the work before you. Commit to the journey with diligence and intentionality, knowing that every step is shaping you into a version of yourself that can thrive and sustain success in the long term.

Growth takes time. And waiting? That’s just the price we pay for true, lasting transformation.

Yours in Growth,

Soibibo Mac-Roberts