In a world where instant responses and packed schedules are the norm, former government strategist Alex Snider's new book argues that chronic urgency is a choice—and not always the right one. 'Sometimes You Should Be Late: The Quiet Rebellion of Slowing Down in a World Obsessed With Speed' (Practical Inspiration Publishing, July 7, 2026) invites readers to question the cultural pressure to always be fast and to consciously decide how to move through time.
Snider, who spent over 15 years in high-pressure federal environments, draws on contemplative practice, psychology, and leadership to explore the origins of modern punctuality and lateness. He introduces concepts like 'authentic lateness,' 'time alchemy,' and 'standing behind your own clock,' offering new ways to approach time without rejecting ambition or efficiency. Instead, he emphasizes creating space to be intentional about attention and energy.
The book is not about relaxing or opting out, Snider insists. Speed can be useful and necessary, even an act of care. 'Both our speedy rabbit energy and our inner slower sloth have their places,' he says. The problem arises when urgency becomes the default rather than a deliberate response. 'When urgency starts overriding our values, we lose access to patience, perspective, compassion, and connection,' Snider notes.
The implications are significant for a workforce and society that often equates busyness with productivity. Snider's message suggests that constant rushing may undermine the very values and relationships that matter most. By challenging the assumption that speed equals success, the book offers a counter-narrative that could resonate with professionals feeling burned out by relentless demands.
Endorsements from notable authors underscore the book's relevance. Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of 'The Power of Regret' and 'When,' says, 'This book reminds us that time's real value lies in the human moments we refuse to rush.' Jamie Metzl, bestselling author of 'Superconvergence' and 'The AI Ten Commandments,' adds, 'Sometimes You Should Be Late shows why slowing down in the right contexts isn't an obstacle to progress, but a prerequisite for it.'
Snider's perspective was shaped not only by his government career but also by a life-altering bike accident that reshaped his view on urgency and attention. A meditation teacher and co-founder of Mindful Fed, he explores what modern busyness gives us and what it quietly takes away. The book is available at [Amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com) and [Bookshop.org](https://bookshop.org), and more information can be found at [SlowMindfulness.com](http://SlowMindfulness.com).
Ultimately, 'Sometimes You Should Be Late' offers a new way to think about time—not as something to constantly manage, optimize, or outrun, but as something to experience with greater awareness and intention. In a world that rewards rushing, Snider reminds us that slowing down creates space to reconnect with what matters most: our values, our relationships, and our humanity.
