How one trip to Cabo put things into perspective
Marques Ogden has built a career on resilience. Rising from the NFL to entrepreneurship, he stumbled hard but rebuilt stronger than before. Sometimes the most powerful lessons don’t come from stadiums or boardrooms. They show up poolside, passport in hand. On a trip to Cabo, Marques discovered a truth that changed how he approaches both business and life: sometimes you have to slow down to speed up. In this guest post, he shares that story and the insight it sparked.
What Travel Has Taught Me About Slowing Down to Speed Up
by Marques Ogden
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. That’s where it hit me.
What started as a fun, high-speed ATV ride on the beach turned into one of the most grounding moments of my life. I was supposed to be “off” a short trip to recharge. But instead of just disconnecting, I rediscovered something even more valuable: the power of slowing down to move forward.
As I rode along the sand, the adrenaline pumping, everything was moving fast just like the pace of my everyday life. But when I stopped to take in the view of the Pacific Ocean, the rush melted away.
The waves. The wind. The stillness.
That moment surprised me more than anything. The calm hit harder than the chaos. And I realized: I hadn’t made space to simply be in a long time.
That trip to Cabo was more than a break. It was a wake-up call.
I was reminded that slowing down isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a strategy. Leaders, entrepreneurs, and go-getters often live in overdrive. I was no different. But that moment watching the ocean reminded me that clarity, creativity, and resilience don’t come from running nonstop. They come from pausing, reflecting, and realigning.
Since then, I’ve brought that mindset into my work, my leadership, and my daily life.
Hands down riding ATVs by the ocean and stumbling on that peaceful, unexpected view. There was something powerful about physically slowing down the machine and mentally slowing down my thoughts. That combination of nature, movement, and stillness gave me more clarity than a dozen strategy sessions ever could.
I wish I knew earlier that productivity isn’t always about speed. I used to think the more I did, the faster I moved, the more I’d accomplish.
But now I know: intention matters more than intensity. Focus beats frenzy.
Travel has a way of teaching lessons when you least expect them. Cabo reminded me that stepping away doesn’t mean falling behind. In fact, it’s often the very thing that moves you forward with purpose.
So whether you’re a founder, leader, athlete, or just someone chasing big dreams don’t be afraid to pause. It might be the smartest move you make.
Connect with Marques:
- 🌐 Website: www.marquesogden.com
- 📸 Instagram: @marquesogden
- 🔗 LinkedIn: Marques Ogden on LinkedIn
- 🎙 Podcast: Get Authentic with Marques Ogden