Many people mistake speed for brilliance.
They believe that finishing a one-hour job in the last 30 minutes is smartness.
They feel proud saying, “I work well under pressure.”
But let us reflect.
Is that genius?
Or is that simply postponement wearing the mask of intelligence?
Genius is not compressing one hour of work into the last 30 minutes.
Genius is finding 10 powerful minutes within those 60 minutes
– to refine,
– to rethink,
– to polish,
– to add devotion.
That extra 10 minutes is where excellence lives.
Anyone can complete a task.
But not everyone adds their signature to it.
When you rush at the last minute, you only aim to finish.
When you plan wisely, you aim to elevate.
There is a beautiful Tamil phrase I often say:
“சோம்பேறிகளின் சுறுசுறுப்பு – காலையில் சாலை பயணம்.”
The sudden hyperactivity of the lazy — like someone who wakes up late and then drives aggressively in the morning traffic.
What is happening there?
The rush is not productivity.
It is compensation.
The stress is not passion.
It is poor planning.
The speed is not discipline.
It is panic.
And panic never produces genius.
Look at nature.
The sun does not rush to rise.
It appears at the exact time.
A tree does not hurry to grow.
It grows steadily.
The river does not panic before reaching the ocean.
It flows.
True genius flows.
When we start early, we create space.
When we create space, we create clarity.
When we create clarity, we create quality.
That final 10 minutes before submission…
That final review before sending an email…
That final check before publishing…
That moment of silence before speaking…
Those are the moments where greatness is born.
Devotion needs time.
Care needs space.
Excellence needs breathing room.
Last-minute rush is a disease because it becomes a habit.
Once the mind gets addicted to adrenaline, it starts believing that pressure is necessary to perform. Slowly, calm preparation feels boring. Planning feels unnecessary. Discipline feels optional.
But long-term success is not built on adrenaline.
It is built on a awareness.
In business, in relationships, in parenting, in leadership – the same rule applies.
If you are always reacting, you are surviving.
If you are preparing, you are leading.
Genius is not noise.
It is depth.
Genius is not drama.
It is design.
Genius is not speed.
It is precision.
So next time you have one hour for a task, do not think:
“How late can I start?”
Instead think:
“How beautifully can I finish?”
Can you complete it in 45 minutes and gift yourself 15 minutes to refine?
Can you review once more?
Can you add one thoughtful line?
Can you remove one unnecessary mistake?
Can you add your devotion?
Because life also works the same way.
When you rush through life, you only aim to survive it.
When you slow down with awareness, you experience it.
Life is not asking you to finish fast.
Life is inviting you to live fully.
Find those 10 golden minutes in every hour.
Add your genius touch.
Add your sincerity.
Add your presence.
Last-minute rush is the disease.
Conscious refinement is the cure.
– Morning Thoughts
By J Sampath, Founder & CEO of JB Soft System
