Ability Quote by Stephen A. Schwarzman
“When I was much younger, I realized that when I was handling something very large, and I was on my own doing that, that my breathing rate would increase, and that would affect my ability to think as well as I normally would. So when that starts happening, I slow down.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Public speaking on stress management, 2022
When faced with large tasks alone, physiological stress spikes, impairing cognition; slowing down restores clarity and performance
In simple terms: Stress spikes slow thinking; pause to regain focus
Key Takeaway
Pause, breathe, and reassess during big solo tasks
Themes
stress management
performance
self‑awareness
Mood
anxious
focused
Type
practical
motivational
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- solo projects
- high‑stakes decisions
- tight deadlines
Key Concepts
cognitive load
physiological response
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance speed and composure?
- When is it better to push through stress?
A Different Perspective
Slowing down may waste time in fast‑moving environments
