Speed is good, but velocity is what matters

Let me explain.

Speed feels like progress. You’re moving fast, getting things done, staying busy. But speed without direction is just motion. And motion without purpose is just wasted energy.

This is the difference between speed and velocity. Speed is how fast you’re going. Velocity is how fast you’re going toward something that matters.

A startup can raise millions, hire aggressively, dominate headlines. But if it’s burning cash without a path to sustainability, that’s speed without velocity. A career can be packed with promotions, new titles, constant movement. But if it’s leading to burnout instead of fulfillment, that’s speed without velocity. Even in personal growth, you can consume endless books, podcasts, ideas. But if you’re not applying them, integrating them, changing in a meaningful way, it’s just speed.

We admire speed because it looks impressive. It feels productive. But velocity is what separates those who go far from those who just go fast.

The hardest thing isn’t moving quickly. The hardest thing is knowing where to go. Because once you have direction, speed takes care of itself.

So don’t just ask how fast am I moving? Ask am I moving toward something real? Because speed is temporary. Velocity is what lasts