The best things take time

Care and long-term efforts achieve our best, not shortcuts

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I’m a huge fan of efficiency, but it must be coupled with more strategic use of our time and acceptance that great things are never realised in an instant.

Everywhere I look there seems to be an obsession with instantaneous results.

But the best things, the sustainable and positive things in the human experience throughout our history have taken time.

Cities for example. The ones that we marvel at, that we dream to spend time in, took hundreds of years. Buildings and spaces were developed, then redeveloped according to the real needs and materials of the day. Look around the next time you’re in an urban environment you love. It’s probably showing you remnants of times gone by, amenities that were focused on being, walking, conversing on the street. If it’s a new area it’s probably reflecting lessons of place-making that have taken hundreds of years to appreciate and codify in city planning.

Businesses that created products and experiences that we love took time. They weren’t just about pursuing exponential growth in a few short years so everyone involved can get rich or quickly cut their losses. The businesses that have surpassed trends, economic downturns, and become beloved additions to our lives did so by being on a long-term mission, taking time and evolving by doing what they do best.

Every copy of the Problem Solver purchased online is being sent wrapped and sealed with a sticker made by Edaith. I wanted to symbolise the time and care that has been taken in creating it and the intentions that drive Edaith's work - to help us be 'Future Ready'.

Skills development takes time. There’s no single hack or quick fix to build capabilities. It takes continued efforts, over time.

Unfortunately, this isn’t something many are prepared to admit or advocate because it’s not what people want to hear. Easier to be told to buy something or give your attention and instantly your goal can be attained with no effort, ingenuity or failure. That’s what works with algorithmic information flows, but it’s not helping us realise our potential as individuals.

If we want to live in a society that values more than how to get ahead quickly (even if at the expense of others), then we need to recognise and celebrate that the best things in life take time and provide the most satisfaction. This means being strategic about how we use our finite time - our most precious resource.  

Rather than shortcuts, we need to be strategic about how we use our time. To carve our attention away from our screens or unrelenting responsibilities every day to enable any amount of time on what matters most to us. Sometimes we’re so distracted and comparing ourselves to others that we don’t remember what these things truly are. To dedicate time to the things where our efforts might lead to creating something brilliant, or helpful, or to reach a personal goal whatever that may be.

But even if not, the process of trying is always a learning experience and maybe even enjoyable. It’s spending time and effort on these things, not skipping to shortcuts, that’s worthwhile.

T

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