A million years ago I was a young man trying with all my heart to become a first grade soccer player. I once came on as a reserve but never quite made it. The reason? The first grade coach described me as a one-pace player. By this he meant that regardless of the circumstances of the game I played at my own steady pace. I could neither quicken up or slow down.

 

I believe that thinking is exactly the same. You can decide how fast or slow you think depending on the time available and the nature of the situation–by doing so, you can become a more effective and flexible problem-solver, idea generator and decision-maker.

 

Let’s consider a practical example. I am in the process of designing a course on overcoming procrastination. I started thinking quickly and designed the first outline of the course. Then I realised that there were many gaps in my knowledge so I slowed down and reflected on the content (slow thinking). This led me to start a LinkedIn discussion and I read numerous research reports. Finally I quickened my pace and completed the design of the course and then sent it around to various people for comments.

 

My message? Getting anything done requires just starting and I have found the best way of doing this is to do it quickly. Once started you can then slow down then speed up. The aim is to continuously create movement. You also feel good and there is a sense of progress.

 

Try it next time. Don’t procrastinate–just start (quickly). Then slow down and reflect and ruminate if you need to then accelerate. You will get more done and you you will stop procrastinating.

 

If only someone had told me this earlier on in my soccer career I might have played for a rich club overseas–but that is another story.

 

Best wishes ken