Slow and Steady Wins the Race - Meaning, Origin & Story

Everybody knows the saying "Slow and steady wins the race". This phrase can be heard everywhere: in school, from parents, in motivational literature. But what does this phrase mean? Where was it born? And how to use it now?

In order for this quotation to be really applicable, we must consider its essence, its secret background and the scientific proof of its truthfulness in modern society.

What does Slow and Steady wins the race mean?

First of all, the quotation about slow and steady win of the race means that consistency is preferable to speediness.
The saying explains that a person who is consistent, patient and steady in his/her work will have much better results than a man who rushes somewhere in one impetuous rush of energy and then stops because of exhaustion.

Slow and Steady wins the race Origin & Story

This well-known quote is derived from Aesop’s Fables, a set of fables accredited to an ancient Greek fabulist called Aesop, who existed around 600 B.C.! That means more than 2,600 years back!

The quote can be found in the fable The Tortoise and the Hare. In this story, a conceited Hare makes fun of a Tortoise because of his slow pace. Tired of the Hare making fun of him, the Tortoise dares the Hare to have a race.

The Hare runs forward so fast that he stops seeing the Tortoise. Feeling confident that he won, the Hare falls asleep. During his sleep, the Tortoise just keeps going ahead without pausing. By the time the Hare wakes up, he sees the Tortoise winning the race.

Read more: Aesop Quotes on Kindness and Gratitude

Read more: Aesop Quotes with Meaning (Part-1)

Why the Lesson is Often Misunderstood

It may be seen by most people that the lesson of the fable is to take everything slowly. This is false. It was not his slowness that made the Tortoise win, but his inability to rest while going towards his goal. In ancient Greece, this moral was aimed at combating laziness by working continuously. While the Hare had some innate abilities, they were spoiled by his pride and laziness.

How to Apply "Slow and Steady" to Your Life

In order to make this timeless wisdom helpful for yourself, you should substitute the word “slow” with the term “consistent.” A quick, intense activity always leads to exhaustion.

Below is the easy three-step technique that will help you become the Tortoise:

• ‌Make an Every-Day “Minimum Goal”: If you plan to start training to become fit, you should not train yourself for two hours at the beginning. You mind will definitely reject the sudden impact, and you will quit the process within the first two weeks. Instead of such an approach, set yourself 10 minutes of training a day.
• ‌Don’t Break the Chain: It is much better to learn a foreign language for 15 minutes a day rather than to spend 5 hours a month on studies. Daily routine creates strong pathways in the brain.
• ‌Forget About the Clock: Do not be afraid of the time you spend on the way to the main goal. Concentrate on your current victory – your small step for a day.

Sprinting is done on short tracks. However, creating a happy life, a successful career, or a healthy body is a marathon that will take you a lifetime. So take your time and do not rush yourself to failure.