Shortcut to Nowhere: Why Some Things Should Take Time
Have you ever tried to "hack" something that really needs patience and persistence? If your answer is "no," please tell me your secrets immediately (or at least your home planet). I once thought I found the perfect cheat code to running: speeding up podcasts to trick myself into feeling faster. Instead of hitting new personal bests, I ended up dizzy and frustrated. It’s in these small, laughably misguided attempts that I’ve learned a crucial lesson: meaningful things simply can't be rushed.
Our world is obsessed with efficiency, quick fixes, and life hacks. Need to lose weight? There’s an app for that. Want instant zen? Just plug into this five-minute mindfulness routine. But the thing is, genuine wisdom, meaningful growth, and deep self-awareness aren't available on-demand. You can't just slap on a life-hack patch and magically become wise, insightful, or deeply in tune with your purpose.
It reminds me of something the basketball coach once told my son’s team: “You’ve got six passes before you shoot, because that's how long it takes to really understand your opponent. The first few passes are just guesses. By the sixth, you've spotted their weaknesses.” He wasn't just coaching basketball. He was coaching life.
Real insight, profound understanding, genuine wisdom—these require navigating uncertainty, awkwardness, and even frustration. They demand deep reflection, asking ourselves uncomfortable questions, and committing to the journey itself.
Imagine trying to get fit by only taking supplements and never actually setting foot in a gym. Sure, it might seem efficient, but you’d miss out on the satisfaction and joy that comes from tangible progress. So why do we think emotional, mental, or spiritual growth would work any differently?
Real growth feels rewarding precisely because it's challenging—not despite it. It’s about intentionally choosing to become a better version of yourself, knowing yourself deeply, and sharpening your mind. It's not just another chore we endure—it's more like those blissful moments when you’re completely lost in the rhythm of a great run (without sped-up podcasts). In fact, it’s ok to run slower. Just get out and run.
Life hacks are fine for tidying your inbox or helping you remember where you parked your car, but when it comes to knowing your purpose, building meaningful skills, or nurturing real relationships, shortcuts simply won't cut it. Embrace the winding road, invest in the hard work, gradually master your craft, and give yourself permission to grow slowly.
Next time you're tempted by a shortcut, think back to a moment when you spent time carefully planning a gift for someone. The excitement of anticipation, the attention to detail, the joy that grew as you prepared. The real reward wasn’t just handing over the gift—it was the thoughtful journey of creating it and the story it told.
There are no shortcuts to the things that matter most, friends. Taking the long way is the real 'hack.'
Edge Thought of the Week:
"Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet." – Jean-Jacques Rousseau
This week, choose one thing you typically rush through—maybe a conversation, a meal, or a quiet moment of reflection—and intentionally slow it down. Notice the new insights, deeper connections, or even unexpected joy that emerge when you allow yourself to fully experience the process.
Until next time,
Laura