We all have that one question. You know, the one that makes us want to roll our eyes so far back we see our childhood regrets. The question that, no matter how many times we hear it, still manages to ignite an internal sigh so heavy it could power a wind turbine.
For me, that question is:
“So, when are you going to slow down?”
Oh, how I loathe this question. Not because it’s asked with ill intent, but because it assumes that my pace, my passion, my drive—needs adjusting. That somehow, the rhythm of my life must eventually sync up with the world’s idea of “taking it easy.” Spoiler alert: it won’t.
The Myth of “Slowing Down”
Here’s the thing—society loves a good productivity paradox. We’re told to hustle, build, and achieve, but then, the second we actually start making strides, people chime in with, “But don’t you think you should take a break?”
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m a big believer in self-care. My brand literally revolves around it. But there’s a stark difference between rest and stagnation. I’m not burning myself out; I’m fueling something bigger than myself. I don’t live for a slow-motion montage of peaceful walks and leisurely afternoons—I thrive on movement, creation, and making things happen. That is my peace.
Why This Question Feels So… Off
- It Implies I’m Doing Too Much – Maybe I am. Maybe I’m juggling a lot. But that’s my choice. I thrive in the chaos. Some people find their balance in stillness; I find mine in momentum.
- It Suggests That Ambition Has an Expiration Date – When exactly am I supposed to “slow down”? Is there a universal memo I missed that declares when ambition should start tapering off? Because last I checked, purpose doesn’t come with a retirement plan.
- It Assumes That Slowing Down = Happiness – While some people find joy in a quieter pace, that’s not my version of fulfillment. I get an electric rush from building, creating, and evolving. Asking me to slow down is like asking a bird to walk instead of fly. Why would I choose the sidewalk when I was built for the sky?
Purpose Over Pace
Here’s the truth: I move at the speed that works for me. Maybe I can’t do things the way I used to, maybe my capacity has changed—but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped dreaming, creating, or finding ways to show up in the world. Purpose doesn’t disappear just because circumstances shift.
Slowing down isn’t always a choice—it’s sometimes a necessity. But that doesn’t mean I’ve hit pause on who I am.
The Real Question You Should Be Asking
Instead of asking when I’ll slow down, try this instead:
“What’s exciting you the most right now?”
Now that is a question I’d love to answer. It invites passion instead of doubt. It acknowledges drive instead of questioning it. It shifts the focus from exhaustion to enthusiasm.
Because at the end of the day, I don’t need reminders to rest—I’m fully aware of when I need a recharge. But what I do need is encouragement, curiosity, and people who understand that my speed isn’t something to fix—it’s something to admire.
So, next time you catch yourself asking someone when they’ll slow down, consider instead asking them about what keeps them going. Trust me, the answer will be far more interesting.
#Voguegenics #SelfGrowth #Ambition #HustleCulture #Motivation #EntrepreneurMindset #PurposeDriven #MindsetMatters #SelfCare #StayInspired
