Speed vs. Substance

Why sometimes slowing down is the fastest way forward

Author

Yoela Palkin
February 22, 2025

Hey there,

Lately, I’ve been wrestling with a feeling that’s both familiar and frustrating—when everything is moving, but I’m not sure it’s moving in the right way. Fresh off the $100M Company Series, I’ve been thinking about the balance between structure and creativity, systems and meaning. It’s a razor thin line, and recently, I’ve caught myself tilting too far toward optimization. Efficient, yes, but at the expense of the creativity and depth that give the work its real meaning.

It’s a phase that hits all of us when we’re building something; whether it’s a company, a relationship, or even a personal practice. Momentum is powerful, but are we moving with intention? Are we creating real value, or just producing for the sake of it?

So this week, instead of forcing answers, I’m sitting with these questions:

  • How do you redefine yourself while still embracing routine, without letting it become a crutch?

  • Why does the world feel faster than ever, yet all I want is to slow down with a book or a show and just think?

  • Does stepping away from social media create more room for real reflection, or does it just make me feel stuck, observing but not quite connecting the dots?

Instead of rushing toward clarity, I’m letting the unknown be. And in that spirit, I’m making a few changes around here.

How I’m Finding the Balance

  • Experimenting with a new format next week, more creativity, more flexibility, but still packed with value.

  • Giving myself space to pause instead of forcing a direction before it's ready.

  • Breaking the monotony of structured content, keeping it sharp, engaging, and actually interesting.

Great ideas and real insight don’t show up on command. They need time, stillness, and a little trust in the process. The more I lean into uncertainty, the more I can create something unexpected, and maybe even better than my own expectations.

💎 A Few Gems That Inspired Me This Week

Most people know I’m a chess nerd, I love comparing life moves to game strategy. This conversation with Magnus Carlsen, five-time World Chess Champion, was gold. He breaks down how he sees 20+ moves ahead, his surprising tournament prep (spoiler: naps and football 🏆⚽), and how AI isn’t just a competitor in chess but a force reshaping human decision-making.

It reminded me what sets the best founders apart—the ability to think several moves ahead while staying fully present in the moment. And here’s the thing: you can’t do that when you’re rushing.

This one hit differently. David Senra’s breakdown of Brad Jacobs’ book How to Make a Billion Dollars is packed with insight, but the standout for me? Chapter 1: mental resilience before anything else. Jacobs treats his mindset like an operating system, because if your own mind crashes under pressure, it doesn’t matter how strategic you are. Some of the most successful people I know have an almost eerie ability to master industries, think long-term, and stay calm in the face of chaos. Now, I’m hooked and diving into the book. 📖🔥

🏎️ Watch This: The Stirling Moss Story 🏁

Stirling Moss is often called the greatest driver to never win an F1 title, but his legacy is bigger than a championship. He dominated legendary races, shattered records, and shaped the golden era of motorsport. But what really sets him apart? His integrity. He once defended a rival, costing himself a championship title, just to ensure fairness. If you love stories of legendary grit, innovation, and high-stakes competition, this one’s a must-watch. 🚗💨

🔧 Try This: ClipRecipe

These days my family’s group chats have turned into a full-blown recipe exchange. Every other message is a cooking hack or a viral food video. I was about to build a tool to organize all these clips (because, of course), but then one of my engineers sent me this: ClipRecipe. It’s a ridiculously simple way to save and categorize recipes from videos, actually making it easier to cook instead of just doom-scrolling food content. If your chats are turning into food feeds too, it’s worth a look. 🍳📲

🧠 Thinking About: Social Network White Paper

What actually connects people beyond transactions, geography, and algorithmic likes? Social networks have redefined how we interact, but do they foster real community or just optimize engagement loops?

An old white paper got me thinking: what if social networks weren’t owned, but decentralized? Where AI clusters us by ideas, not ad-driven feeds? Less about metrics, more about meaningful connections. If we could rebuild social networks from scratch, how would they look? 🤔

Some of the most important shifts start with a pause, not just questioning the world around us, but the habits and patterns we fall into ourselves.

A mentor once told me: “Progress isn’t just about moving forward. It’s about knowing when to stop, step back, and make sure you’re running the right race.” That stuck with me. We’re wired to equate movement with progress, but the best decisions come from a rhythm of momentum, reflection, and thoughtful action.

Until next time.

With love,
Yoela

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