A powerful way to unleash your natural creativity | Tim Harford

Summary

The speaker challenges the conventional wisdom against multitasking, advocating for 'slow-motion multitasking' as a path to creativity and productivity. Drawing on examples from Albert Einstein's prolific 1905 and the research of Bernice Eiduson, the talk suggests that juggling multiple projects can foster creativity. It also highlights the benefits of cross-disciplinary learning and having fallback projects when stuck. The speaker proposes practical strategies like using 'boxes' to manage ideas, encouraging a balanced approach to multitasking that enhances rather than hinders focus and innovation.

Takeaways

• 😀 'To do two things at once is to do neither.' - This quote, often misattributed to Publilius Syrus, is a common criticism of multitasking.
• 🤔 Contrary to popular belief, multitasking can be beneficial, especially for highly creative individuals like Albert Einstein, who published groundbreaking papers in multiple fields in 1905.
• 🧠 The concept of 'slow-motion multitasking' is introduced, which involves working on multiple projects and switching between them as needed, rather than trying to do everything at once.
• 🔬 Research by Bernice Eiduson showed that top scientists often switched topics frequently, suggesting that this approach can foster creativity.
• 🎨 Creativity can be sparked by moving ideas from one context to another, which is easier when working on multiple projects.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Cross-training can improve performance in one area by learning another, and this concept can be applied to the mind as well.
• 👨‍⚕️ An example of cross-training's benefits is a study where medical students who took an art course improved their diagnostic skills.
• 🔄 Slow-motion multitasking can help overcome creative blocks by providing a fresh perspective when one project stalls.
• 📚 Twyla Tharp's method of managing multiple projects involves using physical or digital 'boxes' to organize and store ideas and inspirations for each project.
• 🌟 The talk concludes by encouraging the audience to embrace slow-motion multitasking as a way to unleash their creativity, using examples from Einstein, Darwin, and others.

Q & A

What is the main argument against multitasking as presented in the script?

The main argument against multitasking is that it can lead to a lack of focus and reduced productivity, as suggested by the quote 'To do two things at once is to do neither.'

Who is credited with the quote against multitasking, and what is the speaker's perspective on its authenticity?

The quote is often attributed to the Roman writer Publilius Syrus, but the speaker suggests that there's doubt about its authenticity, implying that he might not have said it.

What term does the speaker introduce to describe a beneficial form of multitasking?

The speaker introduces the term 'slow-motion multitasking' to describe a beneficial form of multitasking.

How does the speaker differentiate 'slow-motion multitasking' from common forms of multitasking?

The speaker differentiates 'slow-motion multitasking' by emphasizing the deliberate and thoughtful movement between multiple projects, as opposed to the hurried and often ineffective multitasking seen in everyday life.

What historical figure does the speaker use as an example of 'slow-motion multitasking'?

The speaker uses Albert Einstein as an example of 'slow-motion multitasking', highlighting his work on multiple groundbreaking scientific papers in 1905.

What is the significance of the research conducted by Bernice Eiduson mentioned in the script?

Bernice Eiduson's research is significant because it shows that highly creative scientists often switch topics frequently, suggesting that multitasking can be a key to creativity and enduring productivity.

How many times did the most creative scientists switch topics in their first 100 research papers according to Eiduson's research?

According to Eiduson's research, the most creative scientists switched topics an average of 43 times in their first 100 research papers.

What are the three reasons the speaker provides for why 'slow-motion multitasking' can be beneficial?

The three reasons provided are: 1) Creativity often comes from transferring ideas from one context to another, 2) Learning to do one thing well can help improve performance in another, and 3) Having multiple projects can provide a way to move on when stuck on one.

How does the speaker relate the concept of 'cross-training' to 'slow-motion multitasking'?

The speaker relates 'cross-training' to 'slow-motion multitasking' by suggesting that just as athletes benefit from training in different areas to improve overall performance, the mind can also benefit from engaging in multiple intellectual pursuits.

What practical solution does the speaker suggest for managing multiple projects without becoming overwhelmed?

The speaker suggests using physical or digital 'boxes' to organize and store ideas and materials related to each project, inspired by the method of choreographer Twyla Tharp.

What example does the speaker provide to illustrate the concept of 'slow-motion multitasking' over an extended period?

The speaker provides the example of Charles Darwin, who worked on various projects including zoology, geology, psychology, botany, and economics over many years, demonstrating a long-term approach to multitasking.