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Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy: The Simple Art of Taking Back Your Life
"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.
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.
160 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2024
175 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Kelly
185 books1,369 followersMatthew 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 5, 2025
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.
December 30, 2024
His best book yet, in my opinion!
July 25, 2025
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:)
January 23, 2025
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
"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
January 23, 2025
If you feel like life is a never-ending to-do list and you’re constantly busy but not actually happy, this book is your permission slip to slow the hell down—and not feel guilty about it. Matthew Kelly makes a convincing (and much-needed) argument that our obsession with productivity is robbing us of joy, and he offers real, doable ways to change that.
What I loved about this book is that it’s not just fluffy self-care talk. Kelly doesn’t just tell you to “relax” (which, let’s be honest, never works). Instead, he shares practical steps to declutter your mind, focus on what truly matters, and stop letting stress and urgency run your life. His personal stories make it feel super relatable, and the advice is actually realistic—even for those of us who aren’t about to drop everything and move to a Zen monastery.
One of my favorite takeaways? Busy isn’t your friend. We wear it like a badge of honor, but it’s actually making us exhausted, disconnected, and stuck in a cycle of doing more but enjoying less. Kelly helps break that mindset, showing how slowing down can actually make life better, not just more manageable.
This is a book you’ll want to revisit when life feels overwhelming. It’s short, to the point, and packed with wisdom that makes you rethink your daily habits. If you’re tired of feeling like life is a race you never signed up for, Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy is a must-read. Highly recommend!
What I loved about this book is that it’s not just fluffy self-care talk. Kelly doesn’t just tell you to “relax” (which, let’s be honest, never works). Instead, he shares practical steps to declutter your mind, focus on what truly matters, and stop letting stress and urgency run your life. His personal stories make it feel super relatable, and the advice is actually realistic—even for those of us who aren’t about to drop everything and move to a Zen monastery.
One of my favorite takeaways? Busy isn’t your friend. We wear it like a badge of honor, but it’s actually making us exhausted, disconnected, and stuck in a cycle of doing more but enjoying less. Kelly helps break that mindset, showing how slowing down can actually make life better, not just more manageable.
This is a book you’ll want to revisit when life feels overwhelming. It’s short, to the point, and packed with wisdom that makes you rethink your daily habits. If you’re tired of feeling like life is a race you never signed up for, Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy is a must-read. Highly recommend!
December 30, 2024
The last talk at the ACCS conference last year was about the value of work, your life is supposed to be about work, concerns about "work-life balance" were even ridiculed! I didn't entirely disagree (Adam had work to do before the Fall, a very important fact for us to notice). At the same time, you think - golly, every abusive employer in America would love to send their employees to a talk ridiculing the idea of work-life balance, with the employees cheering at the end!
Well here is a book about the importance of good leisure, the importance of slowing down. And, I suspect, most Christians in America need to hear this message more than the message about the importance of work. I was especially struck by a comment that, if you ask someone what they did today, and actually they had a day of leisure... they feel a need to make stuff up. It feels embarrassing not to be busy all the time. It shouldn't be. It should be embarrassing if you are busy (especially the wrong kind of busy) all the time.
Only 2-stars just because, while the overall message of this book was excellent, the book itself was pretty fluffy Christian self-help that, two years from now, an AI could write. But the overall message was good.
Well here is a book about the importance of good leisure, the importance of slowing down. And, I suspect, most Christians in America need to hear this message more than the message about the importance of work. I was especially struck by a comment that, if you ask someone what they did today, and actually they had a day of leisure... they feel a need to make stuff up. It feels embarrassing not to be busy all the time. It shouldn't be. It should be embarrassing if you are busy (especially the wrong kind of busy) all the time.
Only 2-stars just because, while the overall message of this book was excellent, the book itself was pretty fluffy Christian self-help that, two years from now, an AI could write. But the overall message was good.
April 30, 2025
I’ve enjoyed several of Matthew Kelly’s books, and while Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy wasn’t my favorite of his, it still had some valuable reminders. Kelly’s voice is always approachable and grounded, and this book, though more simplistic than some of his others, offers a gentle nudge toward a quieter, more intentional life.
Personally, I’ve spent years practicing to avoid buying into the “busy equals valuable” mindset. I try to keep Sundays free aside from Mass, I genuinely enjoy slowing down, and I don’t feel the need to fill every minute with productivity, though that mindset didn’t come naturally — it took a lot of work (and therapy). Still, I often find myself surrounded by people, especially family, who glorify busy schedules, which makes it easy to question my own pace or feel guilty for not doing “more.”
This book was a good reminder that choosing to live more slowly and peacefully isn’t laziness or avoidance: it’s a form of strength. While many of the ideas weren’t new to me, it gave me a little extra encouragement to not just practice stillness and margin, but to be confident in those choices, especially when others don’t get it.
Overall, this is a solid read, especially if you’re early in that journey. For those further along, it might feel more like reinforcement than revelation, but that’s still worthwhile in its own way.
Personally, I’ve spent years practicing to avoid buying into the “busy equals valuable” mindset. I try to keep Sundays free aside from Mass, I genuinely enjoy slowing down, and I don’t feel the need to fill every minute with productivity, though that mindset didn’t come naturally — it took a lot of work (and therapy). Still, I often find myself surrounded by people, especially family, who glorify busy schedules, which makes it easy to question my own pace or feel guilty for not doing “more.”
This book was a good reminder that choosing to live more slowly and peacefully isn’t laziness or avoidance: it’s a form of strength. While many of the ideas weren’t new to me, it gave me a little extra encouragement to not just practice stillness and margin, but to be confident in those choices, especially when others don’t get it.
Overall, this is a solid read, especially if you’re early in that journey. For those further along, it might feel more like reinforcement than revelation, but that’s still worthwhile in its own way.
August 10, 2025
we are so busied and distracted by more more more, that we forget to just be. appreciate the now and don't expect anything. practice gratitude everyday, especially for little things. if your days feel like too much, don't let them, choose what is the most fulfilling, what brings the most joy and cut everything else out. we are conditioned to believe the human experience is so many things different from what our natural livelihood is. we need to get back to living at the speed of joy, rejecting all these corporate ideas and slowing down, with love as our way of life. try not to focus on pleasing your ego, instead strive for protecting your heart and satisfying your soul. we don't need more, all we need is enough and to be comfortable/appreciative with enough.
January 31, 2025
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.
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.
March 15, 2025
The knowledge Matthew imparted was great. I was especially interested in slowing down to the speed of joy on Sunday. I am going to try that.To me the problem with this book was the writing. It could have been done in much shorter time just by cutting out the super amount of examples. To me 3 or 4 examples would have done the trick. I got frustrated reading them all. So, while Matthew gave us lots of good "stuff," the info just went on and on and made me not want to read on. But I cannot forget the main theme of slowing down to make life easier and better in all our relationships and health and emotions and spirituality.
August 4, 2025
This one was a good one. I liked the general message. It’s also my first Matthew Kelly book. He didn’t insert God until the middle part of it and most of the advice was practical and then grounded it in faith. I liked that approached.
It reminds us to be mindful and intentional with our time. With our desires. With our priorities. With God. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a short read and you find yourself too busy with a lot of stuff like I do. I’ve been trying to slow down for 3 years, almost 4, and I still learned a few things from this book. Kudos!
It reminds us to be mindful and intentional with our time. With our desires. With our priorities. With God. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a short read and you find yourself too busy with a lot of stuff like I do. I’ve been trying to slow down for 3 years, almost 4, and I still learned a few things from this book. Kudos!
December 21, 2024
The best book I've read this year! Life changing. The perspective I didn't know I needed! Matthew Kelly always provides wisdom that you didn't know you needed and I find his books find you at the precise right moment in your life. I look forward to seeing how this helps me find my peace and joy again!
"Let's face a truth: you cannot do everything."
"Abandon the trivial many and embrace the vital few."
"We want so much and need so little"
"Simplify your life"
"Let's face a truth: you cannot do everything."
"Abandon the trivial many and embrace the vital few."
"We want so much and need so little"
"Simplify your life"
May 10, 2025
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.
June 5, 2025
an invitation to have harry days: ones where you wake up, eat breakfast, and then decide what will bring you the most joy
an invitation to keep holy the sabbath: to schedule nothing, sit in silence, say no to plans or anything “productive,” and rest, which means moving meal prep to monday, erasing all commitments, and having literally zero things to do
an invitation to do less with a whole heart, a clear mind, and a deep desire to listen
an invitation to keep holy the sabbath: to schedule nothing, sit in silence, say no to plans or anything “productive,” and rest, which means moving meal prep to monday, erasing all commitments, and having literally zero things to do
an invitation to do less with a whole heart, a clear mind, and a deep desire to listen
July 5, 2025
"Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy" is probably one of the best books I have ever read. Truly thought provoking. The chapter titled What Happened to Sunday? really hit home, as well as "head trash." Slowing down and focusing on the simple joys of life can be so very difficult in our busy world. Mr. Kelly's suggestions are easy enough to implement ... but hard to keep consistent. We all need to read this book and simply slow down.
October 14, 2025
Not a bad book, just drove me crazy.
Matthew Kelly's books are 90% excellent. There has been at best 1 or 2 that I have not liked.
This is not like that. It has some salient points. And he is his usual delightful self.
I'mm not sure why it drove me crazy exactly; maybe not my style?
In any case, lots of good content. Just thought maybe it could have been expressed more concisely. Usually Matthew Kelly's books are page turners. Again, though, good sections too.
Matthew Kelly's books are 90% excellent. There has been at best 1 or 2 that I have not liked.
This is not like that. It has some salient points. And he is his usual delightful self.
I'mm not sure why it drove me crazy exactly; maybe not my style?
In any case, lots of good content. Just thought maybe it could have been expressed more concisely. Usually Matthew Kelly's books are page turners. Again, though, good sections too.
June 20, 2025
A really wonderful and thought provoking book, reminding us to slow down and not succumb to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but to prioritize relationships. I am inspired to be more grateful and content for my current life rather than focus on what I don’t have. I’m sure I will come back and re-read this one again!
September 6, 2025
One of the best books I have read this year. Blends good advice about slowing down your life with some solid Christian spiritual context. Even though without a Christian spiritual interest will find the pragmatic actions interesting and workable. I especially liked the concept of leaving time for interruptions...interruptions give us Opportunites to help and be there for folks....when they need help. I also liked taking all or part of Sunday off to think and reflect...do nothing and plan nothing.
January 9, 2025
This is one I need to keep handy to reread often. Slowing down to the speed of joy pierced right through me and was so perfectly timed for the start of 2025. Brilliant, digestible, actionable. I was to send copies to everyone I know.
January 10, 2025
Another home run for Matthew Kelly!! I have been trying to slow my life down for two years now and I could relate to everything in this book. I can always rely on his book for sound, practical advice.
March 16, 2025
This by far is a life changing book, on I will read again. Such a practical way to achieve joy within the busyness of life. A reminder that we need to slow down to truly enjoy the life God created for us.
September 15, 2025
Rating high for the message more so than the writing - I read it in one afternoon on the beach. Biggest takeaway was the message about reclaiming the Sabbath each week - something I desperately need to incorporate into my life.
September 27, 2025
In full honesty, I thought the book should have started with the way it ended. Frankly, the first half of the book felt like a literary lecture explaining why you are too busy and why we must slow down. The ending was great and truly offered great insights - if you made it to that point.
December 16, 2024
A good little book about how busy we are and why we shouldn't do so much.
December 21, 2024
I’m a big Matthew Kelly fan and I liked this book. It felt like it is a copy of the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. Both books have a great message.
December 24, 2024
Content is good but too repetitive.
December 27, 2024
This book is full of wisdom about how to slow down our overpacked busy lives that keep us rushing from event to event, anticipating what comes next without enjoying where we are.
January 6, 2025
Going to try making Sundays special and focus on what’s important. Good perspective.
January 8, 2025
A good message but fairly repetitive from his other work.
January 10, 2025
Lots of good points to ponder and think about what is important in life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews