Slow Down to Move Faster

Balancing Fast and Slow Thinking for Better Output

My journey at YOPESO, from product management to software engineering, has given me a unique perspective on the software development lifecycle. As a company that provides engineering services, my days are a whirlwind of coding, meetings, and keeping projects on track. I work with diverse clients, from fast-paced startups to established enterprises, each with their unique needs and challenges. I also juggle tasks, mentor my team, and sometimes interface directly with clients. One thing I’ve learned the hard way, especially when dealing with the complexities of modern full-stack development using technologies like React, Next.js, and Node.js: faster isn’t always better. There were times I’d rush through a task, eager to check it off my list, only to have it come back to bite me later. A bug here, a misunderstanding there — all because I was moving too quickly. It became a running joke on the team that the faster I submitted something, the faster the complaints would roll in.

This made me realize something crucial about how we, as developers, approach our work. We often default to quick, instinctive thinking — what psychologists call “System 1”. It’s great for routine tasks, but it can lead us astray when things get complex. That’s where “System 2” thinking comes in. It’s the slower, more deliberate mode of thought, where you consciously analyze a problem and consider different angles. And what seems slower at first can often lead to higher quality work and fewer issues down the line.

The Power of Deliberate Thought

Early in my career, I was all about speed. I prided myself on being the first to submit a solution, the “quick draw” of coding. But I started to notice a pattern: my initial solutions often needed rework. I’d find myself debugging code I thought was finished or realizing I hadn’t fully grasped the problem in the first place. This led not only to bugs but also to miscommunications with other teams or departments.

That’s when I started to appreciate the power of slowing down. Not just for client interactions, but for all aspects of development. For instance, when a complex bug arises, it might seem faster to apply a quick fix based on gut feeling, but this often masks the underlying issue and can even introduce new problems. It’s like putting a band-aid on a wound that needs stitches. When faced with a tricky architectural decision, like choosing between different state management approaches in a Next.js application or deciding how to structure a Node.js API for optimal performance and maintainability, it might take longer to plan and weigh the pros and cons first. But that initial investment can lead to a more scalable and maintainable product in the long run, avoiding costly refactoring later. Or when a team member proposes a new feature, it’s about taking the time to think it through. It’s not about being slow for the sake of it, but about being deliberate. This is not just a theory; I’ve seen it play out in my own work, from resolving complex bugs to making strategic design choices.

System 2 in Action

System 2 isn’t some abstract concept reserved for academics. I’ve seen it in action, and I’ve felt its impact on my own work and within my team. Here are a few examples:

• Addressing complex bugs: We had a particularly nasty bug a while back that was causing intermittent crashes. My initial instinct was to start tweaking the code, hoping to stumble upon the solution. But I resisted that urge, and we stepped back. We spent time meticulously tracing the execution flow, reproducing the bug consistently, and brainstorming potential causes. It took longer than my usual “quick fix” approach, but we found the root cause — a subtle race condition — and implemented a robust solution.
• Designing for the long haul: Even when working with fast-paced startups, where the pressure to ship quickly is immense, taking time to design for the long haul pays off. For instance, while working on a project last year, we could have rushed into coding with our usual patterns. Instead, we took some time upfront to think through the long-term implications of our choices. We considered how the application might scale, how easy it would be to maintain, and how we might accommodate future features. Especially considering we were using relatively new technologies like AWS Amplify, Fastify and Prisma, this upfront investment in thoughtful design made a huge difference. For example, we were able to quickly adapt to a major feature request later in the project without significant refactoring. We ended up with a more flexible and robust application that has saved us countless hours in the long run, even as the startup’s needs evolved. This deliberate approach has allowed us to continue iterating on the product rapidly, even as the startup’s requirements have become more complex.
• Team discussions that matter: In team meetings, it’s easy to fall into groupthink or let the loudest voices dominate. But I’ve found that encouraging everyone to take a moment to reflect before responding leads to more thoughtful discussions and better decisions. It’s about creating a space where different perspectives can be heard and considered.

But it doesn’t mean that we should renounce our quick thinking entirely.

It’s Not About Always Being Slow

Now, I’m not advocating for analysis paralysis. There’s a time and a place for quick, instinctive decisions. System 1 thinking is essential for many everyday tasks. The key is to recognize when a situation demands a more deliberate approach.

It’s about developing a sense for when to hit the brakes, step back, and engage System 2. It’s about using the right tool for the job. A hammer is great for driving nails, but you wouldn’t use it to tighten a screw.

A Shift in Mindset

For me, embracing System 2 thinking has been a shift in mindset. It’s about valuing understanding over speed, depth over quick fixes. It’s about recognizing that a little extra time spent thinking upfront can save a lot of time and headaches later on. It’s about finding a good balance between thinking and acting.

I’m not here to tell you exactly how to do things. Every developer, every team, every project is different. But I encourage you to consider the power of slow thinking. Experiment with it. See how it impacts your work, your team dynamics, and the quality of the products you build.

You might be surprised at how slowing down can actually help you speed up in the long run. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being intentional. And in the complex world of software development, a little intention can go a long way. What about you? What are your experiences with balancing fast and slow thinking in your development work? Share your thoughts in the comments!