Last year, I learned a lesson from two young teachers—my girlfriend’s daughters. They’ve become a huge part of my life, and wanting to be there for them has reshaped how I handle my time.

I’ve realized that work will always try to stretch itself into every corner of the day (and weekend) if you let it. But the moments that truly count—the ones spent singing to Taylor Swift or just listening to the stories of their day—those moments only happen if you protect them.

So I’ve being trying to adopt a simple mantra: speed where it belongs, slowness where it counts. During the workday when I’m at their house, I’ve become more disciplined and focused. I tackle tasks with intention, close the laptop as early as possible, and step away. The goal isn’t just to get more done—it’s to give the people I care about—those girls and their mother—the best version of myself when the workday ends.

When I’m with them, I slow down. I’m not half-there, half-thinking about emails. I’m trying to be fully present, letting the evening stretch out, giving those moments room to breathe.

In the end, it’s about making sure that the rush belongs to tasks, not to people. And that the time you slow down is the time that truly matters.