One of my favorite clips in all of TV is the intro to the 8th episode of Winning Time – an HBO series on the Showtime Lakers. It combines speed with doing what others say can’t be done.

In case you didn’t watch it, and you should, Roger Bannister was the first man to run the mile in under 4 minutes. The term mile comes from the Roman Army, and for 2,000 years, people believed you couldn’t run it in under 4 minutes.

But, once Bannister broke the barrier, people began believing it was possible. The next man ran the mythical 4-minute mile just 46 days later. The limit was mental, not physical.

Human nature pushes us to the tendency to move slowly. We slow down to a glacial pace unless there are people who push the tempo, intensity, and urgency. Frank Slootman is fond of saying a CEO’s only job is to create urgency – to ensure “people can bring mental energy every single instance of today.”

Speed produces momentum, and momentum is a force. Done right, speed makes you or your company look inevitable. Competitors read the headlines with accomplishment and accomplishment and wonder what you’re doing differently and just how far ahead you are.

Speed without focus and clarity is dangerous. If you run in the wrong direction for too long and too fast, you end up further away from where you need to be. The best way to unleash speed is through clarity and focus. The adage of moving slow to move fast applies.

Speed requires attention to detail. We do not get sloppy just because we see opportunity ahead and easily within our grasp. It’s not an excuse to make silly mistakes.

Speed builds with confidence. It helps close the gap between idea and execution. We take risks and move quickly when it seems evident that it will pay off.

Speed combined with a long-term vision is unstoppable. Bernard Arnault knew what he wanted LVMH to become at 42 but remains known for his impatience in execution. He’s built one of the unlikiest business empires in the world.

In business, I think the most important thing is to position yourself for long-term and not be too impatient, which I am by nature. – Bernard Arnault

Speed is a mindset. Speed is an edge.