It's Okay to Take It Slow Sometimes

There's an old story about a NASA engineer on the way to a big space launch of one of the Apollo moon rockets.

Living in Orlando, about an hour from the cape, the engineer was falling behind so he stepped on it, traveling as fast as he could on the highway.  Caught speeding, the engineer learned that perhaps the fastest way to the destination is not always the quickest.

That especially came to heart when the police officer asked the engineer: "What's the hurry?"  In response, the engineer said, truthfully: "I'm running late for a big moon launch."

In reply, the quick thinking cop said: "I just have one question to ask before I decide if I write you a speeding ticket.  If you died in a speedy crash today on the way to the launch pad, would NASA still launch?"

Hesitantly, the engineer - a bit embarrassed at the truth of it all - acknowledged: "Yes, NASA would still launch."

Consequently, the police officer wrote the ticket, saying that the rush wasn't worth the possible tragic cost of life and limb to the engineer or to others on the public highway.

Lesson learned:  

Too often we are speeding, recklessly traveling, when slow and pokey might actually be better for us and for all we serve.

So, ASP professionals, as you make plans for next year with this semester's final exams underway, take time to reflect on where you are going and how fast you are going.  And take time for yourself with your friends and your families.

Perhaps there's no better way to capture the spirit behind this lesson than with a poster, courtesy of Amber Dannis, assistant director of student affairs at the University of Denver.

When I first saw the saying, posted in the student affairs office, I was in a frantic rush. so it was nice to be given "permission" to unplug for for a bit.  Words of wisdom, I think.

 

Scott Johns