This brings to mind the whole "smell the roses" vs "charging towards goals". I think you can blend the two some. Keep moving, but slow down and take it easy. Down shift to "ambling" speed. It doesn't really slow you down as much as you think since you're overall more rested and cover more ground day after day. Stop often to look around. I think it's safer to stay comfortably within your limits, and your mind can still be engaged to the discovery of new ground.

I always carry the same things with each carry.

Usually 2 passes over a portage with guys.

Trips with gals I do 3 carries though and that's OK too. That gives them/her time to get the cameras out. But I just got a new lighter boat for when there's just us two. So I'm hoping I can carry a small guide pack with some gear while carrying the boat to lighten our other packs enough to do 2 carries each. Gals use trekking poles for safety.

Guys are stronger, but gals are tougher. But that's a story for another day.  ;)