Think Smooth- Act Fast
There was a popular phrase we often reminded ourselves of during intense situations when I served as an Army Ranger. At first glance, the phrase may seem contradictory. However, the more you think about it, the more it makes sense. I often found myself in high-pressure situations where quick decisions were necessary.
“Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.”
Reflecting on some of the most challenging crises in my military career, I can’t recall a time when this phrase let me down. In fact, when circumstances were most desperate, this advice proved to be the most reliable.
The phrase encourages you to slow down and assess the situation before making a decision. Taking even a brief moment to pause and observe allows for a faster, more effective response in extreme circumstances.
A poor decision will cost more time, energy, leadership, and even unnecessary pain than a well-considered one. Smooth, deliberate actions are always more effective than rushed or forced actions. Clear thinking prevents much of the hardship that comes from bad choices.
This is my key to making slow, smooth, and ultimately effective decisions during strategic moments.
“Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.”
Reflecting on some of the most challenging crises in my military career, I can’t recall a time when this phrase let me down. In fact, when circumstances were most desperate, this advice proved to be the most reliable.
The phrase encourages you to slow down and assess the situation before making a decision. Taking even a brief moment to pause and observe allows for a faster, more effective response in extreme circumstances.
A poor decision will cost more time, energy, leadership, and even unnecessary pain than a well-considered one. Smooth, deliberate actions are always more effective than rushed or forced actions. Clear thinking prevents much of the hardship that comes from bad choices.
This is my key to making slow, smooth, and ultimately effective decisions during strategic moments.
Unlocking Strategic Agility
In today’s fast-paced world, we often hear advice such as “seize the moment” or “the quick and the dead.” But what if the key to truly seizing the moment isn’t about moving quickly, but about thinking more deeply first? When it comes to seizing strategic opportunities—whether at work, in business, or even in personal decisions—the real advantage comes from slowing down before you act. In decision-making, as in many other aspects of life, slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.
Slow, Smooth Thinking
Deep thinking means taking the time to explore different angles and gather input on a problem before rushing into a decision. Smooth thinking involves assimilating that input by examining potential risks, considering alternative approaches, and anticipating possible outcomes. In moments of high pressure, this process may feel like it slows you down. However, deep thinking ultimately increases your ability to act quickly and effectively when it matters most.
Why Slow Thinking Leads to Smooth Action
1. Clarity Breeds Confidence:
Taking time on the front end is an investment in the decision you are about to make. When you take the time to understand all aspects of a situation, the decision feels less risky. You gain clarity on the outcome you want and why, which enables you to move swiftly when the strategic moment arrives.
2. Fewer Mistakes:
Rushed decisions might work when you are almost out of time on a true-or-false test, but real life rarely works that way. More often than not, rushed decisions become rash decisions. A single misstep can force you to backtrack and fix problems that could have been avoided. Smooth thinking helps prevent costly errors that slow progress and erode trust.
3. Readiness for Opportunities:
Strategic openings are often fleeting. The time-sensitive nature of these decisions can tempt you to prioritize speed over smooth thinking. However, when you have done the necessary thinking ahead of time, you can capitalize quickly while others scramble to catch up.
4. Enhanced Creativity:
When you pause to consider alternatives—even if only for a few seconds—your mind has the opportunity to generate more creative and innovative solutions that quick decision-making might overlook. This is what smooth thinking looks like during strategic moments.
Taking time on the front end is an investment in the decision you are about to make. When you take the time to understand all aspects of a situation, the decision feels less risky. You gain clarity on the outcome you want and why, which enables you to move swiftly when the strategic moment arrives.
2. Fewer Mistakes:
Rushed decisions might work when you are almost out of time on a true-or-false test, but real life rarely works that way. More often than not, rushed decisions become rash decisions. A single misstep can force you to backtrack and fix problems that could have been avoided. Smooth thinking helps prevent costly errors that slow progress and erode trust.
3. Readiness for Opportunities:
Strategic openings are often fleeting. The time-sensitive nature of these decisions can tempt you to prioritize speed over smooth thinking. However, when you have done the necessary thinking ahead of time, you can capitalize quickly while others scramble to catch up.
4. Enhanced Creativity:
When you pause to consider alternatives—even if only for a few seconds—your mind has the opportunity to generate more creative and innovative solutions that quick decision-making might overlook. This is what smooth thinking looks like during strategic moments.
Putting it Into Practice
• Carve Out Thinking Time:
Take a brief moment to reflect on your goals, strategies, or upcoming decisions—without the constant distractions of notifications on your phone.
• Challenge Your Assumptions:
Question your first or immediate answer—just because it is your first response does not mean it will be your best response.
• Scenario Planning:
Map out a few quick “what if” scenarios and consider how you would respond. Slow, smooth thinking does not allow room for procrastination—it is entirely about strategic preparation. Investing time in thinking things through helps you spot opportunities faster and make smarter moves. The best leaders and innovators are not just quick on their feet—they have already prepared their thinking. So when crunch time comes, they are ready to act with confidence. Embracing a “slow is smooth, and smooth is fast” approach to important decisions enables them to make a real impact when it matters most.
Take a brief moment to reflect on your goals, strategies, or upcoming decisions—without the constant distractions of notifications on your phone.
• Challenge Your Assumptions:
Question your first or immediate answer—just because it is your first response does not mean it will be your best response.
• Scenario Planning:
Map out a few quick “what if” scenarios and consider how you would respond. Slow, smooth thinking does not allow room for procrastination—it is entirely about strategic preparation. Investing time in thinking things through helps you spot opportunities faster and make smarter moves. The best leaders and innovators are not just quick on their feet—they have already prepared their thinking. So when crunch time comes, they are ready to act with confidence. Embracing a “slow is smooth, and smooth is fast” approach to important decisions enables them to make a real impact when it matters most.
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