Pause for a Bit

In a recent post, Set A Deadline to Goad Your Creative Juices, I extolled the wonders that time constraints can produce for your creativity. Now, just to show how paradoxical the creative process is, I'd like to show that doing the opposite can also provide fine results.

To introduce this concept, I'd like to turn my good buddy, the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus. One of his insights was: "A thing rests by changing."

Like all of Heraclitus' insights, this one can be interpreted in a variety of ways. But the creative strategy I see today is:

Pause for a bit.

In other words, sometimes delaying action can be the best course of action. That's because while you are waiting, you can gather more information about the most fruitful way to proceed.

For example, designer Christopher Williams tells a story about an architect who built a cluster of large office buildings that were set on a central green. When construction was completed, the landscape crew asked him where he wanted the pathways between the buildings.

"Not yet," the architect said. "Just plant the grass solidly between the buildings."

This was done, and by late summer pedestrians had worn paths across the lawn, connecting building to building. The paths turned in easy curves rather than right angles, and were sized according to traffic.

In the fall, the architect simply paved the pathways. Not only did the new pathways have a design beauty, they responded directly to user needs.

Moral: pause for a bit and let the important things catch up with you.

Here are several questions to think about: What problems can you put off trying to solve? What might you discover by waiting?

Comments

[david armano]

Roger,

Are you familiar with the two types of working dogs? Sharp and Dull.

The mind of a sharp dog, once trained is immediate. They obey comands instantly and don't delay with their response. They are reactive and consistant to commands. German Shepards and Dobermans are good examples of "sharp" Dogs.

"Dull" dogs can also be trained, but their reactions can sometimes vary and are not as instantanious as their "Sharp" counterparts. Boxers are considered "Dull", they can make good guard dogs (though maybe not as effective as Shepards)--but they definitely have a "mind of their own".

I know the difference personally because I owned a boxer. They're clowns at heart you can almost see the gears turning in their curious, expressive faces.

Sharp and Dull both have their advantages. I'm personally drawn to "Dull" because I think things get really interesting when we "pause" before taking immediate action.

[Stephen Denny]

Roger: have been meaning to comment for some time as I'm a rabid fan of your writings here. Your references to Heraclitus resonate strongly with me -- my classical touchstones have mostly been the Stoics. Beginning each of my posts with, "Dear CMO", I could easily have just said, "My dear Lucilius..." as Seneca did. I've often thought about a series of posts on the subject of what Seneca, Marcus Aurelius or Epictetus would have thought of your marketing plan, but... things get in the way.

Excellent advice throughout and many thanks for sharing it all with us!

(David -- as an owner of a half-Shepard, half-Lab mutt, I am an authority on semi-sharp dogs).

[Roger von Oech]

Happy New Year, David.

"Sharp" and "Dull" thinking (in dogs) — nice dichotomy. You could probably think of many places to apply it.

If we use driving as a metaphor, I'd want my sharp thinker (quick responses) to be at the wheel in car chases (no-nonsense situations) and my dull thinker (slow wheels turning, "what'll I do next?) driving when I'm feeling expansive, open to serendipity, and not caring if I'm late.

[Roger von Oech]

Hi Stephen,

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I enjoyed visiting your site and reading your content. You've got some good ideas.

Interesting thought about Seneca et al. A number of scholars consider Heraclitus as the philosopher who laid the conceptual foundations for Stoicism. (Although I think Heraclitus agree with Groucho Marx who said: "I wouldn't join a club that would have me as a member.")

I think we all could benefit if we'd occasionally pause and read the ancients for their perspective.

[Scott Souchock]

This post reminds of the oft used phrase "sleep on it". Who knew it's roots were much older? Anyway, I use this technique, when possible, not only before creating something but often during the process. There are times when I'm going full tilt and think I have the greatest design known to mankind only to, the next day, realize that it's not so hot and needs more work, or a complete re-do. Unfortunately I've now got Kenny Rodgers GAMBLER lyrics in my head...know when to hold 'em/know when to fold 'em....

[Roger von Oech]

Scott: "Sleeping on it" is one of my favorite strategies. I can spend part of one day working on an idea — but with nothing really coming together. But — for me at least — after I've slept on it, things come together much better the next day.

[Otter]

But as Patton said you can wait to long. There is a law of diminishing return on the amount of information one can gather. Eventually you must make a decision, but the opportunity may have passed. Seek balance here.

[Don]

The mind of a sharp dog, once trained is immediate. They obey comands instantly and don't delay with their response. They are reactive and consistant to commands. German Shepards and Dobermans are good examples of "sharp" Dogs.
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