With National Be Late for Something Day on September 5, a former government strategist is encouraging people to question the relentless pace of modern life. Alex Snider, meditation teacher and author of “Sometimes You Should Be Late: The Quiet Rebellion of Slowing Down in a World Obsessed With Speed” (Practical Inspiration Publishing, July 7, 2026), argues that the real problem is not punctuality or productivity, but when urgency becomes an unconscious reflex rather than a reflection of our values.
“When we allow the speed-obsessed world to override our own values, we can lose sight of what’s best for us and what matters most to us,” says Snider. “Honoring your own clock simply means creating enough space to respond consciously and deliberately in the moment, rather than letting others’ urgency, anxiety, or agitation make that choice for you.”
To help people break free from chronic urgency, Snider offers four practical steps. The first is to acknowledge the pressure. Workplaces, social media, and even artificial intelligence reward speed, and many individuals have internalized stories linking their worth to constant availability and productivity. Recognizing that this pressure is external and often counterproductive is the first step toward change.
The second step involves separating external “shoulds” from one’s own desires. Snider suggests slowing down to ask whether you’re staying late because you care about the project or because you’re worried about others’ perceptions. Distinguishing obligation, fear, and habit from genuine values creates space to make more conscious choices.
Third, Snider recommends building more spaciousness into daily life. This might mean leaving gaps between meetings, scheduling fewer weekend activities, or creating buffers around transitions. Spaciousness allows individuals to fully engage with chosen activities, rather than rushing from one obligation to the next.
Finally, Snider advises returning to perspective when urgency takes over. When pressure mounts, taking a few breaths and asking what truly matters can help individuals regain authorship over their decisions. The goal is not to become perfectly slow, but to remember that even in a fast world, we can choose how to respond.
Snider’s insights are drawn from his background as a former government strategist and his personal experience, including a life-altering bike accident that reshaped his relationship with urgency. His book blends research, stories, and practical reframes to help readers explore their relationship with time. Available at Amazon.com, Bookshop.org, and BN.com, the book challenges the assumption that speed brings us closer to our ideal selves.
Snider is also a co-founder of Mindful Fed and holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. His work is available at SlowMindfulness.com.
