Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy: The Simple Art of Taking Back Your Life

by Matthew Kelly

"I was living my life like a Ferrari with no brakes."

Matthew Kelly spent thirty years rushing from one thing to the next. Leaving one thing early, arriving at the next thing late, squeezing as much as was inhumanely possible into each day—always striving for more, better, and faster.

But then something changed.

Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy is a deeply personal book. It provides a rare and intimate look at the author's own struggles with busy and urgent. By revealing his own vulnerabilities, Kelly provides us with the practical insights and timeless wisdom necessary to banish busy and urgent from our own lives.

The faster you go the more likely you are to crash, but we just keep going faster. We think if we get all the urgent stuff done, we will have time for what's important. But we never do.

Busy is not your friend. Only a toxic friend leaves you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, discouraged, exhausted, stressed, inadequate and resentful. It's time to take our lives back from this tyrant.

The speed and busyness of our lives stand in direct opposition to what we say matters most. It's time for a new strategy. It's time to embrace the speed of joy.

Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy isn't just a book. It's a way of life. It will quite simply and in every way imaginable change your life.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Spirituality, Christian, Religion, Faith

160 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2024

About the author

Matthew Kelly is a best-selling author, speaker, thought leader, entrepreneur, consultant, spiritual leader, and innovator.

He has dedicated his life to helping people and organizations become the-best-version-of-themselves. Born in Sydney, Australia, he began speaking and writing in his late teens while he was attending business school. Since that time, 5 million people have attended his seminars and presentations in more than 50 countries.

Today, Kelly is an internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and business consultant. His books have been published in more than 30 languages, have appeared on The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller lists, and have sold more than 50 million copies.

In his early-twenties he developed "the-best-version-of-yourself" concept and has been sharing it in every arena of life for more than twenty-five years. It is quoted by presidents and celebrities, athletes and their coaches, business leaders and innovators, though perhaps it is never more powerfully quoted than when a mother or father asks a child, "Will that help you become the-best-version-of-yourself?"

Kelly's personal interests include golf, music, art, literature, investing, spirituality, and spending time with his wife, Meggie, and their children Walter, Isabel, Harry, Ralph, and Simon.

Reviews

[Samantha Marsh · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book based on the title/concept. However 37 pages in and I simply can’t read any more of it. So much repeating of the same words and phrases, without getting to the meat of it all. I get it, life is busy and it’d be better to slow down, but I expected that there would be context as to how to apply that to one’s life. Maybe this book suits others, but I think there are much better books to spend my time on.

[Joe Kaliher · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could have been 80% shorter and relayed his message the same. Way too much fluff and saying the same things over and over in a different way. Kind of like stretching 100 words into a 1000 word essay.

The message of the need to rest on the sabbath instead of it being about catching up along with limiting our activities and not over scheduling ourselves is a good message. We need to go back to the time where we could find joy in doing “nothing” vs always having plans like the author says.

Ruthless elimination of hurry is a far better option if you want a book with a similar message.

[Natalie Fontaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite Matthew Kelly books by far! These days it feels like everyone is rushing to do the next thing, to be more productive, to accomplish more, but this book makes a very convincing argument about how doing more is actually hurting your life. While it is tied to religion, I think anyone, even if you aren’t religious, would benefit from giving this book a read. What I really love is that Kelly gives you practical steps to slow down to the speed of joy. It’s not just a book full of fluff. I hope everyone takes the time to read this book and learns how to slow down to enjoy their lives. This is definitely a book I will be revisiting.

[Anna Claxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I walked into Mass halfway through the Gloria, ready to check the box for my spiritual obligation, have lunch with my parents, and rush back home to do all the prep work for the work week. My kids hadn’t behaved that morning. Everything was a mess. There was a table at the back of the church with stacks of this book on it. I laughed.

This is a typical Matthew Kelly book. Each section scatters into the next with little flow. Within those sections, some concepts are repeated over and over and over to really drive the point home. These parts are exhausting to read but effective. Matthew Kelly strips away some of the beautiful elements of Catholicism, resulting in an ecumenical self-help book.

Typicality aside, the concepts stuck with me. I found myself working them into my goals for the new year, into my weekly routine, and into my relationships with my children. Whether it was the “SLOW DOWN” message or the bright yellow cover, something about this one resonated with me, and I am so grateful for its timing.

[Kathryn Arzabala · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first almost half of the book was so repetitive I almost didn’t finish reading it. Much could have been taken out due to repetition of the same thing throughout the book.

There were also so many quotes from so many different people. In one section it felt like a summary of another persons work.

The few pages about Jesus were really good and really focused. There were also a few nuggets that were insightful throughout the book.

[Mike Marino · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was tough at first but, around the halfway point it started to kind of flow.

[Drake Kawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real eye-opener. Not to be cliché but Ferris Bueller said it best. In this fast world, finding ways to declutter, step back, and really assess what is important is crucial to living a fulfilling life. The constant scheduling, to-do list lives that many of us lead (myself included) are taking away from the now—what’s right in front of us.

Going to make an effort to slow myself down, stop the needless consumption of things, become a better listener, and start living to the speed of joy—not just for myself but for those around me.

Please read.

[Maria Papay · Rating 5 out of 5]

His best book yet, in my opinion!

[Olivia Geers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my dad’s favorite reads so I had to see what the hype was about. Had some really nice insights in decreasing the busyness in your life and soaking up the present:)

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is something we can all think about more and implement. I especially liked how he talked about creating margins and if we do interruptions can be beautiful

[Chelsey Rosen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dear colleague of mine gave me this book, to serve as a great reminder of where my priorities should be 👫🤱🏡🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒

[Kristyne Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good message, and tidbits of wisdom sprinkled throughout but boy oh boy, this could have been an internet article… not enough content to justify the length of the book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matthew Kelly hits it out of the park, again. I only wish I had this book years ago. "Crazy-busy" describes many of the days, weeks, months, years I have lived. Even in my retirement, thinking I knew what leisure was, I was seeking ways to be productive, busy, and "planned out," as though a full calendar was the measure of success. No, no, no, no...... Time is such a gift. Once given, you cannot get it back. Many have a toxic relationship with with "busy," and I surely did.

"Materialism and consumerism....led people to trade time for money in order to buy more things in an unprecedented way"(p. 18). Additionally, there was confusion with the term, "work ethic," and "diligence, punctuality, deferment of gratification," and "insanely busy lifestyles became a status symbol - it was cool to be busy" (p. 19-20). Those of us who were "conflict-adverse" just kept doing what we thought was our best, only to build resentment along the way (p. 21). "Busy drives speed. Speed is the drug, busy is the dealer, and we(become) addicted" (p.34).

Recognizing that "busy" really causes us to be somewhat selfish, everything feels urgent, and hurried (p. 40). We become distracted, and too busy for the joys of interruptions (p. 54). These are certainly not attributes that God mandates! We leave no space between-no margin. (In the book, Matthew refers to several 12-Step sayings from AA, which I know well; and, H.A.L.T.-HUNGRY, ANGRY, TIRED, TIRED- P 61).

Matthew also points to our culture, decayed and dysfunctional, yet we "demand morally responsible leaders," though we do not have a society that promotes what is being demanded (p. 72-73). Bringing faith back into our daily lives, with baby-steps, starting with honoring the Sabbath, and observing Sunday as a true day of rest from the "crazy-busy" in our lives (p.81).

Loved Kelly's use of quotes, that interestingly have been part of my life for decades (Rainer Maria Rilke, Albert Camus, Hemmingway), and, his recognizing that "We're not good at enough" (p. 116).
Being present...our presence, in the lives of those we love is crucial. We love to receive the gift of another's presence, and we need to learn better to gift it to our loved ones, and all! Matthew states, "Our greatest ability is our availability" (p. 141). That, my friends is a prayer, in and of itself!
This is truly what "slowing down to the speed of joy," is. Amen!!!
This book is a treasure trove!! This book is already "making me" a "better version of me"-wife, mom, "Dede" (grandma), sister, aunt, friend....<3

Thank you, Matthew, and thank you, DYNAMIC CATHOLIC!!!
Donna Cherkezian

[Gina Ulicny · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 I finally finished this book, I just had a little bit to go. I really enjoyed all of it. It’s simple, and the older you are the more you basically know this stuff. But to have it written down, read it, take time to reflect on it. I think it’s exceptional. There’s a lot of people that I’d love to share this book with. I think it’s excellent reading especially for anyone in their 30s or 40s who are on the hamster wheel… In the rat race…

Mathew Kelly has a way of simplifying truth, and then always has a lot of back up to support it.

[Madison Crockett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite being extra wordy for my taste, it has an overall helpful message. Here’s a quote from the last chapter which was my takeaway on slowing down to the speed of joy: “More time isn't the answer. The answer is: careful selection, prayerful discernment, a grateful heart, and acknowledgment of the reality of our finitude.”

[Bonnie Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was determined to just read and not highlight or take notes. There were too many nuggets, I couldn’t keep myself from remembering the many lessons within.

[Lynnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit repetitive at times, but it's chock full of sound advice and includes a few perspectives you may not have considered before.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many of his other books and this holds up. It’s a good recommendation for all of us – it’s OK to say no and to do less and spend more time at home.

[Becca Giguere · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first self help book and it was given to me by my catholic mentor. It was a slow start, but once it took off I grabbed my highlighter and went to work! A short book, but took a bit to get through due to re-reading important messages to grasp the concept. I look most forward to re-reading someday and seeing what I highlighted!

[Joseph Wolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the message, but "The relentless elimination of hurry" was very similar in its message and better written. I would recommend that book first.

[Mommcgee]

I did not enjoy this book in the beginning BUT by the end there was a lot of food for thought. Not a great Matthew Kelly read but having said that I may reread it sometime in the future.

[Bill Dreitlein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read. Clear and well written yet uncovers basic life truths in a compelling way.

[Kathy Rieke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read for the beginning of a new year! “It’s not too late!” Life can only improve with implementation of 20% of what is shared in this book. (You’ll understand once you read the book.)

[Bren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Matthew Kelly shares good insights in this book. Jesus was never in a hurry! I gave it two stars because there is a lot of repetition of the same thoughts throughout the book. Would be better in a condensed form.

[Payton Renz · Rating 5 out of 5]

REALLY enjoyed and recommend this

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Admittedly, I dislike Matthew Kelly books. I would never buy one but my church keeps handing them out at Christmas time.

This was the worst I’ve sloughed through this far. He is extraordinarily repetitive, uses big font, single sentence paragraphs with lots of space between. All of which makes me think his books would work better as article/blog/presentation but have to stretch out to 140 pages to be sellable as a book.

There is also a lot of using numerous quotes listed one after the other, lists and recounting of other people’s stories.

This book did not resonate with me

[Amali · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the message was clear and very positive, but the content was very repetitive. The message of “slowing down” also may get lost on people who are in busy seasons of life. Yes, we need leisure and it shouldn’t be earned, but circumstances of many younger folks don’t necessarily allow for leisure to feel stress-free as many new families will have busier lives or more work in order for basic financial “peace” to be met. It would’ve been helpful if the author touched on this.

[Lindsay Trapp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Content is good but too repetitive.

[Maggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

not as well written as his other books! rambly

[Mariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great biblical way to slow down to the speed of joy!

This current time we live in, is always about being in a rush, filling our calendar, and self isolation. God gave us 24hrs in a day, if he wanted to create more he would have, but we take an advantage of that and think there should be more.

Matthew Kelly says it’s a “user error”, since we over schedule ourselves and make too many commitments.

We have to do things more whole heartedly, I can name numerous things I do half heartedly because of over booking myself. We should actively listen and spend time with others! Have what the author says a “Harry Day” where you wake up, have breakfast, then decide what you want to do.

It also is important to note how we as a society we prioritize a lot of money and materialistic goods. When more stuff just takes up space and time to maintain it and clean. The less and simpler stuff the better.

Along with the upkeep, we always want more which means we never are satisfied with what we have which keeps us as a dog chasing a car, however the car is life.

We never think we have enough which means we lack in gratitude.

This book was good at teaching how to slow down and engage in actual leisure that will truly replenish us.

Spend quality time with people, activity listen, pray, get off the phone, express gratitude , stop over booking yourself, learn to say no, build margins into your schedule since things can come up unexpectedly, really breathe (take a deep long breathe), sit and savor your food, listen to the rain.

We don’t have time to waste on gossiping, drinking, being hungover, ego-based performances, self criticism, playing the victim, to be selfish, to be greedy, guilty pleasures, or to procrastinate.

But we have plenty of time to: do God’ will, love, listen, be grateful, and flourish.

“More isn’t the answer. The answer is: careful selection, prayerful discernment, a grateful heart, and acknowledgment of the reality of our finitude.”