Those That Haste Stumble, Whereas the Patient One Continues

—what I learned from the 'Camel Man' atop the Dunes in Deadvlei.

Perched atop Namibia’s dunes, a grey-bearded man carrying a wooden stick, gazes at me with intense eyes.. As I catch my breath during the ascent, he advises, "Take it slow, one step at a time, just like a camel does," before continuing his way.

Amidst everything, I realise the goal shouldn't be merely to reach the top, and that I have spent little time appreciating my surroundings. It does not make sense to hasten up a mountain only to pause once more—while the man who 'walks like a camel' continues to pass me by at a steady, relaxed pace: What about those who strive to achieve their purpose or dream? Just think—if they rush through the process like I did on this dune, they may miss out on the entire journey and all its beauty. I have come to understand that the summit isn't the focus; rather the journey itself—which ultimately rewards everyone in due time.

The 'camel man'. Photo by Antoine Van Aerde

Now imagine if we’d all move gracefully to heights like the 'camel man'. His radiant smile, consistent pace and infectious energy inspire those around him—making him almost float. I have a feeling he is ready for another hike today. Among us young adventurers who have sprinted up the hill, it seems there is little room left to conquer..

Silent trees run deep in Deadvlei. Photo by Antoine Van Aerde

In sum, here is my perspective: Those who hurry often back down, while the patient ones, or the 'camel man,' continue on their path. It indicates that we should respect the passage of time and find joy in the journey as we work towards our goals. Too often, the emphasis is placed on reaching a destination or 'arriving somewhere.' The way we set our timelines and expectations for accomplishing certain objectives can greatly affect our overall experience—and most importantly, our endurance.

One step at a time. Photo by Antoine Van Aerde

Here’s what I'd like to convey to anyone seeking their purpose:

• Beautiful things need time to flourish

• Take your time to understand where your purpose is leading you and the reasons behind it

• Learn from fellow achievers; a small piece of advice can go a long way, much like the guidance from the 'camel man'

• Focus on being system-oriented rather than goal-oriented—it enables you to create and chase a purpose with greater gratitude, consistency, and resilience

• Don't dwell too much on the goal. Instead, apply a guiding principle to steer you toward your destination—welcoming the uncertainties that will arise on your journey

Have a nice weekend!

Antoine

✨ With more stories like these on the horizon, my journey is to foster greater self-realisation in individuals, including myself. As I work towards building a sustainable system based on this idea, I invite you to pledge your support on this channel. In the meantime, I am excited to engage you with a whole collection of inspiring content in the foreseeable future.