The Power of Slowing Down and Doing Things Right the First Time

In a world that praises speed, rushing often leads to mistakes, stress, and regret. Slowing down isn’t laziness—it’s wisdom. It’s the choice to be present, deliberate, and careful with what you do. When you slow down, you notice more, stress less, and produce better work. Doing things right the first time doesn’t mean being perfect—it means giving your full attention to what matters. In the long run, this habit saves time, builds trust, and creates excellence. Here are five quotes about this overlooked virtue, along with a true story that shows how doing things properly—once—can change everything.

A True Story: The NASA Engineer Who Refused to Rush

In 1970, during the Apollo 13 mission, an oxygen tank explosion put the lives of three astronauts at risk. The entire mission shifted from moon landing to survival. Engineers on the ground had to act fast—but not recklessly.

One NASA engineer, John Aaron, was known for one thing: precision under pressure. He worked methodically, checking and double-checking every number. His calm insistence on careful calculations helped develop the plan that brought the crew home.

His story shows that in moments of crisis, doing things right the first time matters far more than doing them fast.

Three Quotes from Books About Slowing Down and Doing It Right

In Essentialism (2014), Greg McKeown urges mindful focus:

The undisciplined pursuit of more leads to doing too many things badly. Do less, but better.

~ Greg McKeown

In Deep Work (2016), Cal Newport highlights focused excellence:

To produce at your peak level, you need to work deeply, without distraction, and with full presence.

~ Cal Newport

In Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (1974), Robert M. Pirsig explores the value of patience:

Care and quality are a result of attention. The best way to repair something is to care enough not to rush it.

~ Robert M. Pirsig

Five More Quotes About Precision, Patience, and Focus

In 400 BC, Confucius warned against haste.

It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop.

~ Confucius

In 1759, Samuel Johnson praised deliberate care.

What is written without effort is read without pleasure. What is done in haste is often undone in grief.

~ Samuel Johnson

In 1891, Booker T. Washington urged excellence in small things.

Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.

~ Booker T. Washington

In 1990, Stephen R. Covey taught the principle of preparation:

If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?

~ Stephen R. Covey

In 2021, James Clear linked patience to real progress.

Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast. In mastering anything, going slow is the fastest path to getting it right.

~ James Clear

Life Lesson:

Slowing down isn’t weakness—it’s strength. It means you care enough to do it right. Without it, tasks become cycles of rework. With it, progress becomes meaningful and lasting. John Aaron’s story reminds us that accuracy under pressure depends on thoughtful, unrushed effort. So next time you’re tempted to race ahead, pause. Breathe. Do it right the first time. Because true excellence is never in the rush—it’s in the rhythm.