The Unusual Gift of Being Inefficient: What a Nail Salon Taught Me About Life

Earlier this summer, an author photo shoot prompted me to go to the nail salon. I admitted to the incredulous nail tech that this is only the second time in my life I’ve had my nails professionally done. The first time was for my wedding–nearly seventeen years ago. 

Maybe you’re like me. You use your hands a lot. You type and wash dishes, tie shoelaces, and take contacts out every night. It all feels natural–unless your nails are too long. Then they click-click on the keyboard, and you take five tries to spell one word correctly to answer a text.

I’m clueless about nail salon lingo, so after my nails were way outgrown, I found a local spot with all the downtown vibes and nail techs who texted back to answer all my questions. They use gentle products, engage in genuine conversation, and do beautiful, meticulous work. I’m hooked.

But the beautiful nails–sculpted with hard gel to add length–came with a learning curve. 

I nearly panicked when I realized I couldn’t get the contact out of my left eye, when I dropped my Costco card and couldn’t pick it back up, and when I realized how cumbersome it is to text. I typically answer quick emails and reply to comments on my phone. I’ve even written entire book chapters by typing on my phone. But suddenly, I became painstakingly slow.

Slow.

I admit I’ve got plenty of internal resistance to that word. I’d rather be the quick learner. The newbie who can master Excel by Googling formulas. The non-techy girl stubborn enough to figure out anything.

Slow takes a different stride. A settling in. A sorting out of all the unruly reasons why I refuse to take a break.

But I’m discovering the gift of being inefficient, so I thought I’d share my nail-salon-epiphany list with you.

10 Things a Nail Salon Taught Me About Life

1–Audio messages are better.

The past five weeks, I’ve left far more audio messages than I typically do. And I rather like this shift. Given a choice, I’d sort out my words in written form before hitting send, but an audio message opens up authenticity. It forces me to face my insecure, self-critical assessment of how I sound. Transparency makes more of the small moments we have to connect with others.

2–Personal beats professional.

Speaking of audio messages, we have an exciting announcement coming soon about the 2027 Daughters First Retreat. I’ve been communicating with our speaker primarily via audio message, and it’s delightful to connect on a heart level instead of over-polishing our responses and reactions. Perhaps we miss the humanness when we stick solely to protocol? I know some situations require professionalism, but let’s keep in mind that even professionals are still people.

3–Asking for help is acceptable.

I almost let my husband dig contacts out of my irritated eyes after my last visit to the nail salon. Even though I eventually won the battle, I realized there will be things I cannot manage–like double-knotting my son’s football cleats. Admitting you need assistance is not only acceptable, but it also has the potential to deepen your relationships and cultivate humility.

4–Delayed responses usually have a reason.

Does your mind ever spiral with reasons your message was not acknowledged? It’s easy to assume all sorts of irrational things–until you’re the one extra quiet or way behind or answering short. Perspective gives peace.

5–Summer ought to be unrushed.

This is the slowest summer I’ve had since I started writing. I slept more hours, ran more miles, and relished more conversations than in the past. I re-learned the joy of being interruptible and practiced being more present. I’ve still got lots to work to do in these arenas, but I’m grateful for the self-inflicted reset.

6–Slowing down speeds up creativity.

The bent towards efficiency can cramp our creativity. The remedy? Embrace rest, relaxed expectations, and the right-in-front-of-you relationships. Cultivate the environment, and give seedlings of creativity room to unfurl.

7–Stepping back brings clarity.

When we plug on, keeping up with all the usual, we start to take on unnecessaries–false responsibilities, arbitrary deadlines, and a self-critical tone. At least for me, I don’t even notice when I’m right up close to it. Stepping back to see my priorities–and pride–from a peripheral view brings much-needed clarity.

8–Keeping up is overrated.

You pace yourself a little differently when daily activities take tedious attention. You let group texts pile up and send one conglomerate answer–with an audio message if needed. You answer emails only when you’re at your computer. You clean one area of your home without worrying about what you’re not getting to today. And you realize that all the pressure to keep up can wear you out–and isolate you from other people.

9–Imperfections add flavor.

If you’ve noticed the podcast has a little less editing, it’s because my nails are not cooperating and I’ve had to be a little less picky. There are also more typos in my captions, because again, these nails. But maybe I need to relax a little about trying to perfect everything I touch. If you’re the same way, here is permission to let some imperfection show.

10–Gratitude grows in the lack. 

Maybe it’s your natural nails, or some entirely different thing, that you’ve sacrificed or not had access to for a season. Notice how much more thankful you are for what you had taken for granted? Embrace the discomfort. Let it widen your gratitude.

“Less is more,” as Robert Browning once penned, but I couldn’t quite apply it until my nails were a bit much. And now, as school begins and summer fades into fall, I’m carrying these lessons with me. If you found anything in this list helpful, would you share the post with a friend?

One more thing for you! May I pray a blessing over you as you go?

Lord, in the middle of every learning curve, may our gaze curve towards Your face and relentless grace. May we be present with our people and sensitive to Your voice. May we embrace authenticity and set aside pride. May we bend in humility and point to You in praise. May we savor the slow, cherish the conversations, and take the time to treasure what matters. Amen and amen.

P.S. Yes, every bit of this was typed right before I had my nails shortened to their natural length.

Just a friend over here in your corner,

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P.S. Prefer the audio? Listen to The Uncommon Normal podcast for the same weekly content! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or listen to the latest episodes right here!