In a world that moves at breakneck speed, how do you keep up?  Episode 11 of The Adulting Podcast, hosted by Anshika and Saurabh, tackles this question head-on, diving into why speed is a critical factor in personal and professional growth. This episode, filled with raw insights and practical advice, explores the mindset and strategies needed to act fast, learn from mistakes, and build momentum without being paralyzed by perfectionism or fear of failure. 

What Does Speed Mean in Today’s World?

Speed isn’t just about rushing through tasks; it’s about making decisions, taking risks, and iterating quickly. Waiting for the “perfect moment” or flawless information is a trap.

 “If you wait for the right answer, you might lose four weeks,”

The lesson? Acting with partial information and refining as you go often trumps waiting for certainty.

In today’s fast-paced environment, opportunities vanish quickly. Hesitation—whether due to fear of failure or chasing perfection—can stall progress. Instead, they advocate for a mindset of “ready, fire, aim,” where you take action, learn from the outcome, and adjust your approach. This philosophy applies to everything from launching a startup to personal projects like writing a novel or mastering a skill.

The Cost of Waiting for Perfection

Perfectionism is a silent killer of progress.Waiting for perfection often stems from fear—fear of judgment, financial loss, or failure. The key is to keep moving, even when the results aren’t immediate or ideal.

People-First vs. Idea-First: Finding the Balance

A significant portion of the episode explores the tension between building a people-first versus an idea-first company. Saurabh shares his experience with a project that failed not because of a lack of vision but due to prioritizing internal dynamics over execution. 

The takeaway is clear: a successful project requires a balance between a compelling idea and a team that feels valued and motivated. Companies like Jio Hotstar, which invest heavily in talent, demonstrate how this balance drives innovation.

Practical Strategies for Moving Faster

Set Clear Milestones: Break projects into manageable steps to maintain focus and momentum.

Embrace Imperfect Action: Start with what you have, even if it’s not perfect.

Overcome Fear of Loss: Accept that mistakes are part of the process.

Avoid Overthinking: Waiting for complete information can lead to paralysis. Instead, act with what you know and adjust later.

Why Speed Matters for Young Professionals

For those in their 20s, speed is a competitive advantage. 

“People aged 18 to 20 will build businesses as big as those built by people at 30”.

The difference? They don’t wait for permission or perfect conditions—they act.

This is particularly relevant in industries like tech and content creation, where rapid iteration and adaptation are key. 

For young professionals, the ability to act decisively and learn on the go can set them apart in a crowded market.

TL;DR – Mastering Speed for Success in 2025

• Speed as a Mindset: Success in 2025 hinges on acting quickly and decisively. Waiting for perfection or complete information can cost opportunities.

• Overcome Perfectionism: Embrace imperfect action and learn from mistakes. 

• Balance People and Ideas: Build teams that feel valued while keeping clear milestones to maintain momentum.

• Practical Steps: Set clear milestones, act with partial information, and overcome fear of loss to move faster.

• Leverage Youth: Young professionals can gain a competitive edge by acting swiftly and learning through iteration, as seen in fast-moving industries like tech.

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Welcome to The Adulting Podcast. Hosted by Anshika and Saurabh, this podcast is your go-to for navigating the messy, exciting world of your 20s—careers, relationships, and everything in between. We’re sharing real lessons, hard-won insights, and practical tips to help you thrive, whether you’re just starting out or seeking clarity years into your journey.

If you love, like, or even hate what you hear, drop us a line at @akforthevibe and @saurabh.