Slacking Off
"There are certain kinds of work that require immersion into the task before progress can begin. In this category, I include jobs like writing, research, analysis, invention, and programming. The immersion time is required to overcome a kind of mental inertia. Most of us are reluctant to begin on such a task unless we have a large block of time set aside."
Slack, p. 17
When I came to that paragraph, I had to re-read it a couple of times. Here, in writing, was an issue I have been wrestling with for years. I feel like I am on the computer constantly, doing a million little things but never having time for the big things. Since I have so little time to think big thoughts, I fill my time with busywork. I do need immersion time to get up to speed and get into flow on a project. It was interesting to read this chapter because just a few days ago I had blogged about this.
Today, however, was different. I had the opportunity to slack off for several hours and spend them with a friend. We talked, we walked, we thought, we looked at the clouds but not the clock. It was nice. I need to do more of that.
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I think inertia is a good way to describe the situation. The "body at rest"--the idea--requires energy to make it move. The more energy applied, the faster the takeoff. If you can't focus enough energy, due to lack of time, other commitments, etc. then the idea will remain static. Still an idea, just not going anywhere.
I like your poetic solution to clearing away some of the mental debris, "We talked, we walked, we thought, we looked at the clouds but not the clock."
Posted by: Arthur Rouse | April 6, 2003 06:51 PM