Time is a cop-out
June 30, 2010, 7:22 pm
Article
tags
thought, tweet, time, goal
A human's ability to tackle issues and problems is fundamentally driven by thought patterns. Often we manipulate objects mentally before applying the physical actions thus different approaches to thinking through a problem herald varying physical actions. Moreover when we fail to provide a solution, rethinking our plan is often the remedy. This post aims to prove that as humans, we often go through several wrong thought patterns before finding a successful one. Primarily this post will justify why saying: "It takes time" is an inadvertently false sentiment by those who chant it ritualistically. So let's begin...
Dynamism and vigour drives most of our attempts at new things, be it a sport, school, socialising and more, but when we hit that wall the energy seeps out as we struggle to come to grips with the problem. Yet the figure which we all share in common is the caring friend, family member or teacher softly saying: "it takes time". For many, such advice is accepted graciously. However my argument involved proving the first few thought processes as unnecessary and hindering the solving process.
When explaining this issue, I use my own problem of batting (one of the arts of cricket). My inability to bat well during my junior years as a player sums up much of the issue. Initially we believe we can tackle issues head on, similarly I had regarded batting as simple and was annoyed greatly when I couldn't get a grip of it. This first action can cloud our vision or even colour future choices - and most people have encountered this first though process, so that is how I'll refer to it: the first thought process. Refining the solving process involves removing this first thought process as it often wastes resources e.g. money, time and effort. Experience often solidifies this truth in people, that is why companies hire statisticians and decision makers because their input is valuable in streamlining the process.
The second thought process is triggered by the "it takes time" concept, leading to an attitude whereby aimlessly carrying out tasks over a period of time will permit you to achieve your goal. It should be apparent that this process too is flawed since the lack of defined steps hinders your process. Personally I find this thought pattern most difficult to escape from as I often find myself alluding to it after failing to achieve an objective first time round. Allowing time to control your process reduces its efficiency profoundly as there is a lack of planning in order to achieve the goal. That said, the real advice to one who is struggling should be with substance rather than saying. Hard work, passion and commitment are the tools which must all be exercised - not our ability to take time.
Skipping these first two steps of thought process renders a quicker successfully response. The lack of the first thought process saves resources whilst skipping the nonsensical vague use of time improves the precision and efficiency of your process. Instead a step-based system should be employed, breaking down tasks into smaller manageable targets with exact timings. The compounding of acting upon these smaller goals allows progress at a better rate than going through the normal human solving process.
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The man and his dog.