Slow Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast: A Personal Finance Philosophy

In a world where everyone seems to be in a mad dash, the phrase “Slow Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast” offers a refreshing perspective.

Originating from the Navy SEALs, this idea emphasizes that mastering the basics at a deliberate pace leads to greater efficiency and effectiveness over time.

Contrary to popular belief, the fastest route to success isn’t always about rushing headlong into tasks. It’s about maintaining a rhythm, a smoothness in operation that naturally leads to increased speed and efficiency.

Why Slowing Down Matters

1. Avoiding Mistakes

Financial decisions made in haste can lead to costly errors. Whether it’s choosing the wrong investment, making impulsive purchases, or failing to read the fine print, these mistakes can set you back significantly. Taking your time allows you to research, analyze, and make informed choices.

2. Building Habits

Good financial health is built on solid habits. By taking a slow, deliberate approach to managing your finances, you can establish routines that contribute to long-term stability. This could mean setting up a budget, automating savings, or gradually increasing your investment contributions.

3. Learning and Adapting

The financial landscape is constantly changing. Slowing down gives you the space to learn about different options, stay informed about market trends, and adapt your strategy as needed. The more knowledgeable you are, the smoother your financial journey will be.

Reflecting on My Journey

When I had started investing – I was in a hurry to make a lot of money. I wanted to see how I could get the maximum return for my investment. I used to wait for the market to go down, so I could buy stocks on the cheap! However, there were times when the market just kept going up and up for weeks and months; and I ended up not investing anything.

So then, I switched to investing a part of every paycheck – no matter what. If the market was high or low. If there was a recession or not. It did not matter.

Part of every paycheck I got, I put in the market. This let to an automatic forced savings habit. Before I could spend any money from the paycheck, the first thing I did was invest.

1. Avoiding Mistakes

The biggest mistake this automatic investing has helped me with is the temptation to time the market. I no longer wait for the perfect time to buy. The perfect time for me to buy is as soon as I get the next paycheck!

2. Building Habits

Like any other thing, building a new habit takes time. Now over the yers, investing every paycheck has become almost like a reflex action. I don’t even think about it – I just do it as soon as the paycheck arrives.

3. Learning and Adapting

Over the years, as my earning grew, I made sure my expenses did not grow as fast. So I was able to invest a higher percentage each year. There were some special occasions (bonus, tax refunds, etc.) where I had extra money. I applied the same strategy – as soon as I go the money, I invested it.

Consider the cumulative effect of this strategy. If you invest 10% of every paycheck over decades, the total adds up significantly. Just multiply the number of paychecks you receive by your average paycheck amount and then by 0.1. That is a lot of money invested!

In Summary

In personal finance, the mantra “Slow Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast” serves as a vital reminder. By approaching your financial journey with patience and thoughtfulness, you can build a strong foundation that supports your long-term goals. It’s not about how quickly you achieve financial success; it’s about creating a sustainable and empowering path.

So, take a moment to slow down, breathe, and let your financial journey unfold smoothly.

---