Yesterday, I made a stupid mistake: I got on the wrong train.
It reminded me of this…
It was moving fast—100 km/hour—but it was taking me in the opposite direction of where I wanted to go.
And it reminded me of something important:
In business—and in life—speed means nothing if you don’t know where you’re going.
We’re constantly told to move fast.
Launch quickly.
Scale now.
But without clarity, speed can be a disaster.
As the saying goes,
“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.”
Years ago, in the Special Forces, I learned something that changed how I think about this.
It’s called “Commander’s Intent.”
In the military, it’s not about rigid plans (because plans always change).
It’s about clarity of purpose.
When everyone on the team knows the mission’s ultimate goal, they can adapt, adjust, and still move in the right direction.
That principle stuck with me.
It’s the same in business—and in life.
Speed is useless without direction.
Think about it:
If your real goal is to spend more quality time with your kids, does chasing that next exhausting deal actually get you closer?
How often do we rush into decisions—business, relationships, commitments—without stopping to ask, “What do I really want?”
Here’s the truth:
– Know your goal. Clarity is everything.
– Stay flexible. The path will change, but the destination and direction matters.
– Slow down first. Then, when you’re sure, move fast.
Taking the time to figure out your direction isn’t wasted time.
It’s how you make sure every step counts.
So, don’t just go fast.
Go far.
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