Are you the tortoise or the hare?

Why slowing down might just be your fastest path forward.

Author

Erika Muralidhar
September 16, 2025

I spent the past week in Glacier National Park with my family. It was a week filled with love, laughter, and stunning vistas. Whenever I take time to disconnect from work, I allow my mind space to think, to consider, and to dream. This week, I found myself reflecting on the concept of going slow to go fast.

Do you remember the childhood fable The Tortoise and the Hare? Like any story, it’s open to interpretation, but here’s my take: the hare loses the race because he cuts corners, creates distractions, and lacks the stamina to sustain such a fast pace. Meanwhile, the tortoise moves slowly and steadily, mindfully problem-solving his way to the finish line. Ultimately, the tortoise wins.

You might wonder why I was thinking about this during a hike. Well, it’s because I am a self-proclaimed tortoise hiker. My pace is slow and steady—something I can maintain. Some of my family members would speed ahead but then need to stop for breaks, while I kept moving consistently. I tried to live in the present as much as possible.

The idea of going slow to go fast is something I used to resist. In my career, I was the hare. I wanted everything immediately. I pushed for promotions, took on endless projects, and said yes to every opportunity without pausing to ask if it was truly the right direction for me. I was the “yes girl.” Eventually, my stamina burned out. My mindset shifted, and I began to resent my career.

Since then, I’ve been learning how to embrace more of the tortoise. To lean into slow and steady. To approach challenges with problem-solving, creativity, and contemplation rather than rushing into the next task, project, or meeting.

Don’t misunderstand me, though—being a solopreneur has required me to work twice as hard to build my business. The difference isn’t in the effort; it’s in my mind.

Through my training in NLP, health coaching, and Reiki, I’ve learned how to shift my mindset so I can be more efficient with my time, more aligned in my decisions, and more intentional with risks. I’ve built a life that prioritizes not only my business but also my six pillars of health: sleep, nutrition, movement, empowerment, mindset, and beliefs. The only person I compare myself to is the person I was yesterday. As long as I’m striving to grow, I am successful.

And you can do this too.

It’s not just about hacks, tips, and tricks to organize your day (though those can be useful). It’s about how you approach life through your own mind and body.

I teach people how to adopt the tortoise approach.

Here are three ways you can take your first steps with me:

1. Join my upcoming Brooklyn-based workshop — F*ck the Hustle
A space to slow down, release the constant push, and reconnect with yourself.

2. Enter my 28-Day Fall Liver Detox
A gentle reset for your body and mind, designed to support energy, hormones, and overall vitality.

3. Book a free 15-minute chat with me
Let’s connect and see how 1:1 coaching can support your unique health and life goals. Save 10% now till the end of the month (Sept 20th) on coaching sessions with the discount code FALL.

The next time you are feeling overwhelmed, remember the tortoise. It’s not about winning the race as quickly as possible; it's about focusing on the best next step forward.

Mark your calendar — some upcoming event

If you want more personalized help meeting your health and wellness goals, schedule a free 15-minute call with me. Let’s explore your goals and put you on a path to success!

If you are ready for your transformation? Click here!

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